First off, I've done it. If you type "Mortis Boblog" into Google, guess who is #1! How many of you can say you have something that hits #1 on the Google Results page? Yep, that's what I thought.
Mello Yello - I thought it was gone but I found it at a BP (don't hate it's locally owned, the sign told me so) today when getting gas. And apparently it's kept it's '90s price as well. 89 cents and it was delicious. If you've never had, well think Mountain Dew made by Coke and not as sugary.
My commute - Here are some observations I've made during my commute to and from work.
1. 1 in 4 commuters smoke. 3 of 5 of their significant others probably think they've quit. 1 of 5 know they haven't quit but don't say anything. 1 of 5 don't say anything because they are contributing to the 1 in 4 smoking commuters.
2. Some commuters drive like maniacs to get to a job they don't want to be at.
3. 3 feet behind the car in front of you DOES allow safe stopping distance when going 80 mph.
4. 3 feet behind the car in front of you DOES NOT allow safe stopping distance when going 80 mph for the person BEHIND you, or the person behind them, or behind them....
5. Other cars are in the way.
6. Leaving 5 minutes late equates to actually leaving 15 minutes late.
7. Blinkers are optional and honking is a sign of great gratitude and respect.
Bumper Stickers - I don't like most but I saw one today that made me smile. "God recycles. He made you out of dust."
Peanut Butter and Jelly - I had my first PBJ sandwich about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Yes, that is right. I was 25 1/2 years old and had never been able to bring myself to taste this wonderful goodness of a sandwich. It scared me! But finally I said, if Evie can eat it... so can I! Luckily I have not applied this concept to everything Evie does that I don't... Like crap my pants.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My Car, Brats and One night as a Bachelor
Today Carrie went to Midland for the night to get some signatures so we can close on our house by next Friday. Well, that means I am home alone. No Kids. No Wife. It's just me and Dexter. OH YEAH! Now I know how cool this sounds and it is almost as cool as it sounds. Let's start from the beginning!!
Now we all know (or at least some of us working folk) how awesome it is to be able to stay at work as late as possible to get everything you want to done. Now normally with a wife and kids I am forced to get out as soon as possible, so I can spend time with them. Well, today it was different! I normally leave work at 5 pm sharp(ish). Today I left at more like 5:08 but here is the difference, I went back inside! Yeah, I got a bag from my car to get some pop cans from my desk so I could return them. There is nothing like the pleasure of returning aluminum cans with a dollar value of .10 per can. Well, I go get the cans come back to my car and try to unlock it... nothing. Huh?! I turn it back and forth, and it feels loose. Oh no. Now I own a VW Jetta, '95. It has an alarm with can ONLY be disarmed by unlocking the driver side door, despite there being a keyhole on the passenger side. Well... it's either get into my car and sound the alarm or walk home.
I walk around the car. It's about 5:20 now and people are filling up the parking lot going home. Also, it's worth noting there had recently been a bunch of break-ins which caused our building to hire a security patrol. I stick the key in and turn it... the door unlocks. I look around to see if anybody is watching me. Now, I know as soon as I open this door the alarm will go off and I will look like a thief. I hesitate... there must be another WAY! In the famous words of Switch "Not like this... not like this" Switch Dies. My hand wraps around the handle. No, this is what I must do.
I pull the handle, the alarm blares through the parking lot BEEP!, people stare at me BEEP! I dive into the car BEEP! thinking if I BEEP! the engine BEEP! it kills the alarm. BEEP! Key into the ignition BEEP! radio comes on BEEP! foot on clutch BEEP! key turns.... BEEP!!! Stupid BEEP! car I BEEP! own you!! BEEP! Ugh.
I pull up the driver side door knowing full well it won't do anything. BEEP! I know if I can just get the key to work the alarm will turn off. I roll down the window, close the door and furiously try to get something to catch. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I go Chuck Norris on the car and kick the handle with the bottom of my foot... I try again... BEEP! BEEP! .......... Nothing. I did it!! YES! WHOO HOO! I pull open the door. BEEP!! Are you kidding me?!?!?! My car is mocking me at this point. I keep fiddling with the lock... looking like a criminal that is either to stupid or doesn't care it's obvious I'm trying to get into this car. I occasionally look up to see people walking by just looking at me. Their stares are blank and I get kinda mad that nobody is questioning my motives. What if I WAS trying to steal this car?! I mean I could prove it was my car (registration, license, etc) but still... I am frantically working on a car that has it's ALARM going off! Eventually the lock on the handle comes out... I MEAN OUT! Look!
Finally I decided to call my VW Mechanic and he tells me I need to undo a screw and try to take the handle off. There is a switch inside that I need to toggle to get the alarm to disarm. In the meantime I've talked to Carrie and my Mom, both of which tried to help me but everyone knew I was on my own. The beeping has finally stopped and since I don't have the right screw driver, he said it would be possible to just turn the mechanism inside without taking the handle off... I search my car in hopes of something long, thin and hard to shove into the key hole. (TWSS) Yep you guessed it... I found a pair of scissors. I SHOVED the scissors and and just started twisting and turning like a mad man... things came loose. Things fell down the car door. I almost cut myself. But then just before giving up I heard a very faint.... bbzzzzeeerrrrmmm.
All the doors in my car locked, the little flash indicating the alarm was engaged was off and the door was closed. However, the window was open. Do I dare risk pulling the lock up and possibly setting the alarm off again or do I climb through the window, NASCAR style, and try to start the car. I look around the parking lot and some blonde girl is walking to her car giving me a strange look. I watch her walk to her car and then dive through the window hitting my head on the parking break. I whip out my keys, stick them in the ignition. Radio comes on. Foot on clutch. Quick prayer. Turn the ignition...wrrrr wrrr RRRRRAACHUUGGGGA GA GA! WHOO HOO!!!! Seat belt! Parking break off! Look both ways! DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT!!
meijer and return home with a 6-pack of IPA. I throw a couple brats on the grill and crack a Corona. Looking down at my hands I see grease marks of a job well done. Sure my car in vulnerable to any prick reading this blog and decides to steal it but I doubt any of you are really in the business of stealing a red '95 jetta with close to 200,000 miles on it, no locking mechanism and hair coming out of the exhaust (that's another story).
Now it is 9:32 PM I'm watching the MLB All-Star game while writing the events of my evening. I'd like to finish watching the game and play some PS3 before going to bed but more than likely I'll get tired, fall asleep and wake up tomorrow wondering if my car is still in the parking lot. Life of a Bachelor is hard, glad I don't have to do it everyday.
Last Call
A popular section of my previous blog posts makes a reappearance here today. My last call goes to Summer Rain. There is nothing more refreshing then being outside during a warm summer rain.
Now we all know (or at least some of us working folk) how awesome it is to be able to stay at work as late as possible to get everything you want to done. Now normally with a wife and kids I am forced to get out as soon as possible, so I can spend time with them. Well, today it was different! I normally leave work at 5 pm sharp(ish). Today I left at more like 5:08 but here is the difference, I went back inside! Yeah, I got a bag from my car to get some pop cans from my desk so I could return them. There is nothing like the pleasure of returning aluminum cans with a dollar value of .10 per can. Well, I go get the cans come back to my car and try to unlock it... nothing. Huh?! I turn it back and forth, and it feels loose. Oh no. Now I own a VW Jetta, '95. It has an alarm with can ONLY be disarmed by unlocking the driver side door, despite there being a keyhole on the passenger side. Well... it's either get into my car and sound the alarm or walk home.
I walk around the car. It's about 5:20 now and people are filling up the parking lot going home. Also, it's worth noting there had recently been a bunch of break-ins which caused our building to hire a security patrol. I stick the key in and turn it... the door unlocks. I look around to see if anybody is watching me. Now, I know as soon as I open this door the alarm will go off and I will look like a thief. I hesitate... there must be another WAY! In the famous words of Switch "Not like this... not like this" Switch Dies. My hand wraps around the handle. No, this is what I must do.
I pull the handle, the alarm blares through the parking lot BEEP!, people stare at me BEEP! I dive into the car BEEP! thinking if I BEEP! the engine BEEP! it kills the alarm. BEEP! Key into the ignition BEEP! radio comes on BEEP! foot on clutch BEEP! key turns.... BEEP!!! Stupid BEEP! car I BEEP! own you!! BEEP! Ugh.
I pull up the driver side door knowing full well it won't do anything. BEEP! I know if I can just get the key to work the alarm will turn off. I roll down the window, close the door and furiously try to get something to catch. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I go Chuck Norris on the car and kick the handle with the bottom of my foot... I try again... BEEP! BEEP! .......... Nothing. I did it!! YES! WHOO HOO! I pull open the door. BEEP!! Are you kidding me?!?!?! My car is mocking me at this point. I keep fiddling with the lock... looking like a criminal that is either to stupid or doesn't care it's obvious I'm trying to get into this car. I occasionally look up to see people walking by just looking at me. Their stares are blank and I get kinda mad that nobody is questioning my motives. What if I WAS trying to steal this car?! I mean I could prove it was my car (registration, license, etc) but still... I am frantically working on a car that has it's ALARM going off! Eventually the lock on the handle comes out... I MEAN OUT! Look!
Yeah that came out of my car handle.
The Result of your keyhole coming out of your car door handle
Finally I decided to call my VW Mechanic and he tells me I need to undo a screw and try to take the handle off. There is a switch inside that I need to toggle to get the alarm to disarm. In the meantime I've talked to Carrie and my Mom, both of which tried to help me but everyone knew I was on my own. The beeping has finally stopped and since I don't have the right screw driver, he said it would be possible to just turn the mechanism inside without taking the handle off... I search my car in hopes of something long, thin and hard to shove into the key hole. (TWSS) Yep you guessed it... I found a pair of scissors. I SHOVED the scissors and and just started twisting and turning like a mad man... things came loose. Things fell down the car door. I almost cut myself. But then just before giving up I heard a very faint.... bbzzzzeeerrrrmmm.
All the doors in my car locked, the little flash indicating the alarm was engaged was off and the door was closed. However, the window was open. Do I dare risk pulling the lock up and possibly setting the alarm off again or do I climb through the window, NASCAR style, and try to start the car. I look around the parking lot and some blonde girl is walking to her car giving me a strange look. I watch her walk to her car and then dive through the window hitting my head on the parking break. I whip out my keys, stick them in the ignition. Radio comes on. Foot on clutch. Quick prayer. Turn the ignition...wrrrr wrrr RRRRRAACHUUGGGGA GA GA! WHOO HOO!!!! Seat belt! Parking break off! Look both ways! DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT!!
meijer and return home with a 6-pack of IPA. I throw a couple brats on the grill and crack a Corona. Looking down at my hands I see grease marks of a job well done. Sure my car in vulnerable to any prick reading this blog and decides to steal it but I doubt any of you are really in the business of stealing a red '95 jetta with close to 200,000 miles on it, no locking mechanism and hair coming out of the exhaust (that's another story).
Now it is 9:32 PM I'm watching the MLB All-Star game while writing the events of my evening. I'd like to finish watching the game and play some PS3 before going to bed but more than likely I'll get tired, fall asleep and wake up tomorrow wondering if my car is still in the parking lot. Life of a Bachelor is hard, glad I don't have to do it everyday.
Last Call
A popular section of my previous blog posts makes a reappearance here today. My last call goes to Summer Rain. There is nothing more refreshing then being outside during a warm summer rain.
Friday, June 04, 2010
How do I follow that up?!
Ever since the tremendous outpouring of compliments that I received from this post I have been dreading even trying to match it and whether or not I should just go out on top and never post again. Alas, I have caved and since nothing real in my life could ever top what happened in the longest 21 hours of Carrie's life (it was a little long for me too) I have decided to not even try. Enjoy.
This morning I woke up, nay, hopped out of bed before my phone alarm went off. I promptly went through my phone settings and set the alarm to off as to not wake either Carrie or Jack from there peaceful slumbers. Jack slept the entire night, again, allowing Carrie to sleep without having to bring him into the bed. The clock read 6:45 am and I was grateful for the 9 1/2 hours of sleep I got and ready to start the day. I quickly put on a pair of soccer shorts and shoes and got ready for a quick but intense morning workout. After doing 50 bench presses at 200lbs each, I decided to push myself and do an extra 15 at 250 lbs (this was punishment for eating that extra ice cream sandwich the night before after 9 pm...). After a few 100 curls, squats and sit ups, I decided to hit the showers at 7:15 am
I was out of the shower at 7:17 AM and made myself a great breakfast that I will not bore you with the details (basically it was eggs, 2 servings of fruit, toast and a glass of milk). Kids were up, I changed diapers and served everyone there breakfast before kissing everyone and leaving for work at 7:35.
I had a Good day at work and returned home still feeling fresh.
As I walked in the door, everyone was all smiles and dinner was just coming out of the oven. While I was at work Carrie had prepared an amazing 5 course meal that we all sat down and ate with delight. I cleaned the dishes and since I was in the mode decided to scrub down the entire kitchen, just because I could. Evie showed me what she had drawn that day and I was amazed to see a picture of stick figure's representing me, Carrie, Evie and Jack standing outside a house with smoke coming out of the chimney. Amazing what a 18 month old can do these days! In fact, Evie potty trained herself and Jack not wanting to be out done, did the same thing! No more diapers! At 8 pm, Jack fell asleep in his crib and Evie went, closed her bedroom door while saying "Bye" and put herself to sleep.
Carrie and I flipped on the TV to find a new LOST episode and were amazed at the previously unanswered questions being answered one after another. It makes so much more sense now why they kept saying Walt was "special"! Once the show finished I decided to check out espn.com and turns out Jim Joyce didn't call the runner safe at first and he was actually out! Supposedly there was a giant fly right in front of him (that can not be seen by modern day cameras) at the same time the play occurred. However, Joyce was distracted by the bug and tried a butterfly swap at it but in the process he yelled "Out!". It was confusing because none of the replays had sound and it wasn't until a deaf person read his lips that they were able to determine what his actual call was. Why the 28th batter then? Well, you'll have to watch the next episode of LOST to figure that one out...
While I know some of you are thinking, "Man, what a great day" or "This guy is full of it", there is one truth and that is I have an Amazing wife, two wonderfully unique and beautiful children, a life worth living and a God that loves me, despite my attempts to prove the contrary.
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This morning I woke up, nay, hopped out of bed before my phone alarm went off. I promptly went through my phone settings and set the alarm to off as to not wake either Carrie or Jack from there peaceful slumbers. Jack slept the entire night, again, allowing Carrie to sleep without having to bring him into the bed. The clock read 6:45 am and I was grateful for the 9 1/2 hours of sleep I got and ready to start the day. I quickly put on a pair of soccer shorts and shoes and got ready for a quick but intense morning workout. After doing 50 bench presses at 200lbs each, I decided to push myself and do an extra 15 at 250 lbs (this was punishment for eating that extra ice cream sandwich the night before after 9 pm...). After a few 100 curls, squats and sit ups, I decided to hit the showers at 7:15 am
I was out of the shower at 7:17 AM and made myself a great breakfast that I will not bore you with the details (basically it was eggs, 2 servings of fruit, toast and a glass of milk). Kids were up, I changed diapers and served everyone there breakfast before kissing everyone and leaving for work at 7:35.
I had a Good day at work and returned home still feeling fresh.
As I walked in the door, everyone was all smiles and dinner was just coming out of the oven. While I was at work Carrie had prepared an amazing 5 course meal that we all sat down and ate with delight. I cleaned the dishes and since I was in the mode decided to scrub down the entire kitchen, just because I could. Evie showed me what she had drawn that day and I was amazed to see a picture of stick figure's representing me, Carrie, Evie and Jack standing outside a house with smoke coming out of the chimney. Amazing what a 18 month old can do these days! In fact, Evie potty trained herself and Jack not wanting to be out done, did the same thing! No more diapers! At 8 pm, Jack fell asleep in his crib and Evie went, closed her bedroom door while saying "Bye" and put herself to sleep.
Carrie and I flipped on the TV to find a new LOST episode and were amazed at the previously unanswered questions being answered one after another. It makes so much more sense now why they kept saying Walt was "special"! Once the show finished I decided to check out espn.com and turns out Jim Joyce didn't call the runner safe at first and he was actually out! Supposedly there was a giant fly right in front of him (that can not be seen by modern day cameras) at the same time the play occurred. However, Joyce was distracted by the bug and tried a butterfly swap at it but in the process he yelled "Out!". It was confusing because none of the replays had sound and it wasn't until a deaf person read his lips that they were able to determine what his actual call was. Why the 28th batter then? Well, you'll have to watch the next episode of LOST to figure that one out...
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While I know some of you are thinking, "Man, what a great day" or "This guy is full of it", there is one truth and that is I have an Amazing wife, two wonderfully unique and beautiful children, a life worth living and a God that loves me, despite my attempts to prove the contrary.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Jack Attack - Birth of a Child told by a father.
12:30ish AM - Wake up you sleepy head, your wife is having contractions!! (I know it's only 12:30 but I am usually in bed by 10:30 -11 and asleep by 11:30!) "Call the Doctor!" I said half awake and still wondering if I had actually slept at all "see what she says."
12:40ish AM - Doctor (Mid-wife technically) has been called and we are on stand by. Literally as soon as Carrie got off the phone her water broke. Let it be noted they had to break her water at the hospital with Evie. Jack my Boy, you are seriously doing it your way.
12:45 AM - With a pot of coffee brewing I decided to get the Birthing Blog going!! In an attempt to treat both children equally right from the get go, I must stay as up-to-date with this blog as I did with Evie. Anymore, then I favor the male (but who wouldn't right?) any less and I favor the female (which would further show my favoritism towards the first-born!).
12:59 AM - Carrie is in the Shower and I'm bored. Mom's are on there way down from Midland and contractions are still coming. This is the real deal. Time for some MW2.
1:10 AM - Update from Mom's (Grandmas really) they are on the way! Carrie is out of shower and the PS3 is fired up! PSN ID Mortis011. Destiny is calling!
1:13 AM - MW2 got trumped by My Sisters Keeper... Thanks Netflix!
1:20 AM - My Sister's Keeper is off. Olympics are on and contractions are good and strong. Glad to be a Male.
2:20ish AM - Carrie made the call. The grandmas were still on there way but that wasn't stopping the contractions!! We grabbed what we needed (this included waking a sleeping little girl) and got in the car. GPS set to UofM Hospital and away we went!
3:00ish AM - I think this is about when we were admitted. The Grandmas were still trying to get here and everyone and their buddy were having trouble getting an IV into Carrie. Apparently the first one "blew" because it "rolled over". These highly sophisticated medical terms were beyond my brain capacity, all I saw was blood and moving over to the next arm. Meanwhile, Evie was with us through Triage and into the delivery room, or again the highly medical term for the room, nesting room. The mid-wife got us some graham crackers and good thing, I was starving!
3:30ish AM - Grandma's arrive after going through twist and turns, in and out of garages, hitting up multiple gas stations. Carrie was now numb from the waist down (she decided while we were still at home that she was getting an epidural) and everyone was in good spirits. I took my mom back to our apartment with Evie, while Shelly and Carrie (obviously) stayed at the hospital.
4- 5 AM - I get my mom and Evie back to the apartment and get Evie back into bed. She took a while to get back to sleep but she was a REALLY good girl. I tell my mom what to do and show her the chicken scratch list that my handwriting produced. I leave to return to hospital. (At this point I have no idea what happens with Carrie but this is all from a Father's perspective so if you want Carrie updates check her blog... oh wait, you can't) On the way back I realize I'm not going to make it through the rest of the night, er um, morning? So I get an energy drink to keep my slowing body going.
5:30 ish AM - I get to the hospital and park at a different garage because the garage I parked at before requires a pregnant woman to enter. Since I was fresh out of those, I decided to park at Parking A, knowing I could get to the room from there. Also, being the genius that I am I took the elevator to the 4th floor knowing that's what floor Carrie's room was on. What to my wondering eyes did I see when I exited that elevator door... well it was the top floor of the garage! There I was staring at the dark Ann Arbor sky in 20 degree temperatures wondering what I've gotten myself into. I quickly call Shelly and she explains that I must enter through the second floor. Okay.
When I get out of the elevator there is a security desk and a sign that says "All visitors MUST check-in after 9PM"... Now does that mean 9 PM today or yesterday? Because I viewed it as both being that it was almost 6 AM today... Well there was a girl opening coffee shop so I asked her "Is there supposed to be someone here to check me in?" Her response " Yeah, but there isn't usually someone there." Okay... so I just told her I know where I'm going and took off. She didn't seem to care and I took offense to that.
5:45 AM - I enter the room expecting to see people buzzing and things happening. Nope, it's dark and a few mommy tears. I got caught up on what had happened (which was nothing) and told them I was ready with my energy drink in hand. Shelly said she'd leave us alone and that we should get some rest (Someone should have told me this BEFORE I got the drink...).
6:00 AM - I sit down to finally update the blog. Carrie talks to me about some things but she is slowly getting drowsy. She checks out the menu and notices that they require "parental supervision for children under 5 if they are consuming a hot dog". She asks me to check her blood pressure (some black digital numbers against a green background) and tells me that if things start beeping I'll have to take care of it. She's slightly confused about that one, I'm not getting paid to be here, the nurses are. I'm in charge of the iPod. (if you get that reference you rule!)
6:18 AM - Finished updating blog, getting drowsy. Energy Drink is failing... no surprise. Uh Oh, something is beeping...
8:01 AM - I am awakened by womens' voices... They are talking pregnancy stuff. I hear things like "5 cm and we'll give it 3 hours. Everything is going great and get some rest." This is what I don't hear... "ALL HANDS ON!! BABY COMING!!" or "DAMN IT JIM I'M A DOCTOR!" or "Da da da, da da daaaa.... You're watching Sportscenter"...
8:44 AM - Some nurse enters and I hear some bleeps and bloops. She is quiet, like a Ninja but I can see her and hear her, so not a very good Ninja. She asks Carrie if she wants to flip sides. Carrie says no. Nurse says "I like to do flips and flops. They are good." Carrie says she knows but doesn't feel like moving at the moment. I think Ninja Nurse just met her match.
8:50 AM - Shelly (Carrie's Mom in case you didn't know) just entered the dark nesting room. She was sleeping in the lounge on a couch. She looked comfortable and homeless. Carrie suggested we go get some breakfast, I think Denny's is now offering a free Grand Slam breakfast on your birthday. If Jack were here I'd take him and get him one. I guess we're going to have to settle for the cafeteria food. Let's hope it's better than UofM's football team... somehow I doubt it.
8:58 AM - Carrie just compared getting an epidural to getting a shot in the mouth. I won't tell her out loud now, but she's wrong. While both allow body parts to go numb, I can still pee on my own when getting a shot in the mouth.
9:00 AM - This was awesome. Carrie just hit a button and told some lady (assumed nurse) that she needs Ninja Nurse (not her words, mine) to come in and flip her. I was like "OOOHHH!!! NO SHE DIDN'T" in my head. This is tense and I'm not leaving until Ninja Nurse completes the flip. I think we all know who is calling the shots here.
9:05 AM - This is going down like Rocky vs Mr. T. Carrie so flipped herself before the nurse came in. Ninja Nurse walks in... "What did you flip yourself right after I left?" Carrie "No, I just did it. I woke up some more and realized I should" Ninja Nurse "So you realized I was right?" Carrie "Yes" but then here is the real kicker... Carrie then told her she needed to change her sheets!! I mean this is back and forth. The nurse sprayed some bottle everywhere... I have no idea what is actually going on beyond my computer screen and i'm not sure I or you want to know. Ninja Nurse (NN) just made a Michigan difference joke, I'm not impressed.
Apparently NN is a big Pad Changer... this is getting weird and I'm not sure if I should actually be listening or relaying some of this information. I've been handed a Coca-Cola classic from Shelly. Score! NN likes to "spray the whole bottle" What is in this bottle? Water? I don't ask and just sit in the corner silently recording the events that are taking place in the room. NN doesn't have kids.... NN is annoying me but does provide some entertainment and is a source of things to blog about.
9:16 AM - Shelly makes a joke "Better watch out for nurses and their scissors, they may just cut your clothes off." I laugh, NN doesn't laugh. Carrie and Shelly just said they like NN and that she is a day nurse. The only thing that says to me is that she's not a Vampire.
9:22 AM - I just realized what I don't like about NN... she is a self promoter. She often says things like "I'm awesome" and "See, I rule!" and "You didn't even need to tell me but I did it anyway." Carrie just got some ice and she is chewing on it now and reading the Menu again. Contractions are at 5-6 minutes apart but nobody really knows what's going on, it's all a guessing game at this hospital.
9:44 AM - CONFIRMED - He's a soccer player and I quote "He's kicking me!" NN IS BACK! We are back on the flip and flopping conversation... NN just said "You need to follow my suggestions, they are really good." I'm pretty sure there is a trophy in the Nurses lounge with NN on top of it. More self promoting going on... ha ha, she has to change the pee cup. She just said that pee looks like beer... Yeah, cheap American Beer... There is a conversation about cup sizes... HOLY SMOKES THAT WAS A LOT OF PEE!! Going to find batteries for Shelly's camera. Might be a bit before an update.
10:23 AM - Back from UH Cafe. Wasn't really that hungry but Carrie wanted me to get something to eat. We took the long way getting there but the short way getting back. On the short way back as I clicked the up button on the elevator, I hear from behind "You two have badges!" Oh crap, they finally caught up to me. As mentioned before, the security person was not there when I first came in. I was badgeless and Shelly had one with no picture ID. BUSTED! I felt like I got an instant 4 stars in GTA and the cops were right behind the corner. No chance. So as the woman was processing us she looks at me and says, with a straight face "You should get a picture ID that doesn't make you look like your 12". WHAT?! My response "Maybe you should get an attitude that doesn't make you a ...." (Fill in the Blank) Yeah that went well, I had to duck and roll behind the nearest wheel chair to avoid the pen flying at my head. Security was on me in a flash (including Ninja Nurse, even though I had a bag over my head I knew it was her because she said "I knew he was trouble, if you only listened to me. I rule!") and that was the end of my stay at UofM hospital.
Alright back to reality, my response - "I'll take that as a compliment." but really inside I died just a little and an angel lost its wings. So I now have a blue badge that says Parent with a picture of a 12 year old on it.
10:46 AM - Things are quite boring at the moment. If I were to type only reality you would be seeing updates like this. "A nurse in light blue scrubs walks in with a knock. Greetings are said and she begins checking the monitors to see how contractions are coming along. She makes sure Carrie is comfortable and suggests moving on to her other side. Some pleasantries are had and the nurse leaves to check on another patient." I could then copy and paste this statement every hour with minor changes until things pick up.
10:52 AM - I just went to release some fluids... nothing's changed. Tiger Woods is about to make his apology speech. I may start blogging about that while things are slow here.
11:00 AM - Mid-wife is in and doing a check. Awaiting results while monitoring the Tiger Woods situation...
11:02 AM - She is still at 5 cm and the mid-wife (MW) is suggesting pitocin to get things moving again. NN is trying to steal the show with a few "silly" hiccups but I see right through her. I like MW, she seems really cool and nice. I'm glad. Jack needs to enter this world with a happy feeling in the room. Not a Self-promoting one that NN brings to the table. NN just shot something into a trashcan and gave herself a high five. I'm not impressed. I've seen Evie make shots from farther away and she's 14 months old... plus it was more of a bank shot and she didn't call it.
11:09 AM - Shelly is talking about her trip to Greece and NN just tried to one up her by saying she's going to Paris and Spain and Morocco and something about Ca-sa-blanca. I'm not kidding this Nurse is annoying the crap out of me. But Carrie and Shelly seem to like her...
11:16 AM - I caught the end of the Tiger Woods conference... he was hugging a bunch of people... most of them women. Not a good start Tiger... In completely unrelated news, Jack is still inside Carrie.
11:27 AM - NN just brought in a GIANT EGG! Not kidding, it's a ball shaped like an egg and it says in shadow letters "EGG". However, nothing is happening with the egg, she just put it on a tray where Jack will go when he is out. Carrie is feeling a little light headed but NN says she looks fine. Looks aren't feelings dummy. Now she is telling Carrie that she was contracting even though the monitor said she wasn't. There is an exchange of words... Basically it is NN saying she is right and knows whats going on. I think she is watching Jeopardy re-runs for her information. Coming soon a picture!
11:37 AM This was done with her permission
11:45 AM - Yawn. Checked in on Evie a little while ago. She is doing great with Grandma Baldwin! Carrie is still not on pitocin, her contractions picked up again so they are holding off. I'm ready for a nap, this is exhausting.
12:25 PM - I just woke up both hands are numb because they fell asleep. Heather, the MW, is here and still no pitocin. We (I say this like I am doing something but really I'm half awake) are going to check her in an hour to see if she has progressed past 5 cm with all of these natural contractions. NN is also still in the room and I want her to leave. Life was better when she wasn't here and I was asleep. NN just admitted she wasn't nice!! I did not laugh, she did. I think I've proved my point with her.
12:36 PM - We are all sharing how long it took to push out our first child. I didn't do any pushing so I'm staying out of this conversation. Shelly got me another Coke. I think I'm going to sign a contract with them after this for all this free promotion. Coke, not only at the Olympic games but also in the delivery room. Also, I thought I'd update the room. It's still dim/dark. Makes it easy to sleep. There is a TV but Carrie doesn't want it on. That's okay because its not widescreen or HD TV. C'mon UofM get with the TIMES!!
12:43 PM - I have now been blogging for 12 hours. This is hard stuff. Hope all you readers out there are still enjoying the updates. =)
12:57 PM - The Great EGG!
1:03 PM - Carrie says, "I'm good, just ready for things... to ... so I can push him out. I still have to do the hard part. Well, it won't be that hard." the blood pressue alarm is going off and we need a Nurse to come in and silence it. It's good to know that if your body actually starts failing that they rush in on their own...
1:09 PM - There is some confusion around the Egg... It is a birthing ball. I'm not sure why it is here because Carrie can't move, aside from flip flopping. Personally I want to crack it. I guess there are a lot of babies that want to get born today because the hospital is apparently really busy. I've been in one room most of the day so I don't see these other pregos but I guess they are here.
1:15 PM - NN has been in the room for about 5 minutes and that's 5 minutes too long. I don't think anybody else in the room realizes how much I do not like her. I really want a new character to add to this blog because I'm tired of writing about her. Carrie has pitocin now so we will see if things start picking up. I'm going for a quick walk...
1:24 PM - Something really exciting happened on my walk, my right shoe lace became untied. Don't worry, I was able to tie it successfully! Carrie is getting .5 cc's of pitocin per hour... they are laughing at how little that is. I hate medical jokes.
1:30 PM - On the wall in the room there is a folder bin hanging that says "While you're here.... Look at what we have to offer!" Then bin is empty. HEATHER IS HERE! YAY!! She is like the White Ninja and NN is the black Ninja. Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader. Gandolf the White VS Sarumon! Light vs Dark! Carrie is at 6 cm.
1:43 PM - For all you noobs out there, 10-11 cm is considered transition labor which means Jack is on his way. MW thinks we should be getting about a cm an hour but obviously it's not going that fast. It's okay, I forgive her. Carrie is having a bit more discomfort but that can be good or bad I guess. I'm having some discomfort in my bladder.
1:58 PM - Carrie's Hair is silky smooth and we just turned on a light near the door. It's still kinda dark. NN just walked in with a slight skip, I want her to trip. There is a window behind my seat but the blinds have been shut the whole time and now we know why... the window opens up to a steel wall. In the words of Carrie "That is kind of depressing" I went over and finally touched the Egg... yep its a ball. Carrie and NN are making jokes with each other. Shelly just walked in with stuff she stole from a bin in the lounge. Baby legs, a baby hat and a little sleeper. (She didn't steal it the bin says take them for free)
2:15 PM - Tools of the trade:
Contractionmaster.com - You can become a fan of it on Facebook. By using this nifty site you can time your contractions and the time between them! Want to know what it's like to be in labor? Head over to contractionmaster and find out for yourself!
Ice Cubes - Eat these to annoy others around you and keep yourself busy.
2:21 PM - Room service just dropped off some broth and Jello. Carrie can feel her contractions (vaguely) right now and they seem to be moving along! Alright!
2:35 PM - The broth and Jello did NOT stay in Carrie's stomach. Oh well... I think we may have a baby in the next 2-3 hours. But that's just my expert opinion. This whole thing is really draining but I'm staying strong! Carrie just popped her epidural line and was yelling "Help! Help!" In a flash (by flash I mean really slowly) Ninja Nurse fixed it. Good News! NN is leaving at 3 pm!! And we are getting a new nurse.
2:40 PM - Something just started flashing and beeping really loud and fast, it got my adrenaline going and everyone else is calm. I'm staying calm too, on the outside. I guess everything is fine but I'm a bit shaken. Or maybe that is the caffeine wearing off.
2:58 PM - Apparently one woman came in just before Carrie this morning and she already delivered her baby next door. Now someone else (a woman as well) is in that room and she is about to have her baby. JACK WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
3:06 PM - I just made two comments to which nobody (in the room) said anything. Guys - in the delivery room YOU DON'T MATTER!! I could have said I just won the lottery and nobody would have heard it.
3:23 PM - The lights are all off and Carrie is getting some sleep... she is still at 6 cm and everyone is getting tired and hungry. I'm tired as well so there may not be an update for a while.
4:09 PM - I just went and got some food. We have a screamer next door. She is yelling away like its going to make the pain feel better. Carrie met the new nurse and said she is nice. We'll see. I had a turkey with Cranberry sandwich on Ciabatta bread. Delicious. I am also sipping a cool Brisk and there are some Dove chocolates in my pocket. Carrie and Shelly are both sleeping (trying to at least) right now and I moved a chair across the room so I didn't have to move the computer. I'm going to find a game online to help pass the time because things are slow right now and the waiting room is packed.
4:30 PM - Wow, this is really taking a LONG time. So much for the 2nd one taking half as long... geesh! Sorry folks but I'm just plain out running out of things to talk about. I talked to my Mom before I got some food and Evie appears to be doing just fine without us.
5:02 PM - Carrie is feeling some pressure. This is good. May not be much longer now!
5:30 PM - This just in... Someone I know (Courtney Seeley) knows Ninja Nurse. Now, let's just recap things real quick. I was a little over the top with my description of her and half awake most of the time. I'm running on about 5 or so hours of sleep and Carrie and Shelly both liked her. Towards the end she got better but again just not my cup of tea and she gave me something to rant about. Ninja Nurse, if you ever read this blog. It was nothing personal and if anything, you owe me for giving you the coolest nickname ever.
5:43 PM - Carrie is feeling fatigued and the hospital is still packed. They are moving people up to the 7th floor after birth. Normally they keep you in the same room (that is just what they normally do here) but it looks like we may be moving once Jack decides to come out. COME ON BUDDY!!
5:52 PM - The MW just admitted to wanting to taste the gravel in her driveway post-pardom. In fact she did and now knows what it tastes like. This was brought about by all the ice Carrie has been chewing. MW is cool!
6:00 PM - Things are picking up... we are getting a reading...OH MAN! OH MAN! 9+ cm!! It's just around the corner now!! Oh man!! this is exciting!! I need to get into position. Up at the top and away from the action!! OH MAN!!
6:09 PM - I am strangely very anxious. I normally have ice running through my veins but some reason I'm really antsy. Maybe it's because I know what is going to happen. There is a lot less commotion this time though. It's just me, Carrie, Shelly and the MW. Last time there were like 5 nurses two doctors and the rest of us.... OH man. I'm just sitting in the corner waiting!!
6:32 PM - Nothing much to report. Carrie is coming along and starting to push a little bit but not much. Things could kick into high gear at a moment's notice!
6:36 PM - For some reason Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" just popped into my head.
6:40 PM - I specifically remember being told there were going to be Laser lights! Where are the laser lights?!?!
6:41 PM - Carrie just threw a Pillow!! I think she was aiming for me but it fell just short. I'm not even saying anything!
6:48 PM - Carrie just had a really good push! Everyone is really happy with that! I'm just sitting in the corner silently.
6:53 PM - Not long now!!
6:57 PM - MW just said it is basically time for him to come out!
7:01 PM - JACK IS HERE!!!
7:21 PM - Jack is 7 lbs 13 oz!!! He is beautiful and healthy!!! NO PROBLEMS!! So far he is really laid back and not crying. He is nibbling at his hand and just gorgeous!! Pictures soon!! Both Mommy and Baby are great and Dad can barely contain himself!
12:40ish AM - Doctor (Mid-wife technically) has been called and we are on stand by. Literally as soon as Carrie got off the phone her water broke. Let it be noted they had to break her water at the hospital with Evie. Jack my Boy, you are seriously doing it your way.
12:45 AM - With a pot of coffee brewing I decided to get the Birthing Blog going!! In an attempt to treat both children equally right from the get go, I must stay as up-to-date with this blog as I did with Evie. Anymore, then I favor the male (but who wouldn't right?) any less and I favor the female (which would further show my favoritism towards the first-born!).
12:59 AM - Carrie is in the Shower and I'm bored. Mom's are on there way down from Midland and contractions are still coming. This is the real deal. Time for some MW2.
1:10 AM - Update from Mom's (Grandmas really) they are on the way! Carrie is out of shower and the PS3 is fired up! PSN ID Mortis011. Destiny is calling!
1:13 AM - MW2 got trumped by My Sisters Keeper... Thanks Netflix!
1:20 AM - My Sister's Keeper is off. Olympics are on and contractions are good and strong. Glad to be a Male.
2:20ish AM - Carrie made the call. The grandmas were still on there way but that wasn't stopping the contractions!! We grabbed what we needed (this included waking a sleeping little girl) and got in the car. GPS set to UofM Hospital and away we went!
3:00ish AM - I think this is about when we were admitted. The Grandmas were still trying to get here and everyone and their buddy were having trouble getting an IV into Carrie. Apparently the first one "blew" because it "rolled over". These highly sophisticated medical terms were beyond my brain capacity, all I saw was blood and moving over to the next arm. Meanwhile, Evie was with us through Triage and into the delivery room, or again the highly medical term for the room, nesting room. The mid-wife got us some graham crackers and good thing, I was starving!
3:30ish AM - Grandma's arrive after going through twist and turns, in and out of garages, hitting up multiple gas stations. Carrie was now numb from the waist down (she decided while we were still at home that she was getting an epidural) and everyone was in good spirits. I took my mom back to our apartment with Evie, while Shelly and Carrie (obviously) stayed at the hospital.
4- 5 AM - I get my mom and Evie back to the apartment and get Evie back into bed. She took a while to get back to sleep but she was a REALLY good girl. I tell my mom what to do and show her the chicken scratch list that my handwriting produced. I leave to return to hospital. (At this point I have no idea what happens with Carrie but this is all from a Father's perspective so if you want Carrie updates check her blog... oh wait, you can't) On the way back I realize I'm not going to make it through the rest of the night, er um, morning? So I get an energy drink to keep my slowing body going.
5:30 ish AM - I get to the hospital and park at a different garage because the garage I parked at before requires a pregnant woman to enter. Since I was fresh out of those, I decided to park at Parking A, knowing I could get to the room from there. Also, being the genius that I am I took the elevator to the 4th floor knowing that's what floor Carrie's room was on. What to my wondering eyes did I see when I exited that elevator door... well it was the top floor of the garage! There I was staring at the dark Ann Arbor sky in 20 degree temperatures wondering what I've gotten myself into. I quickly call Shelly and she explains that I must enter through the second floor. Okay.
When I get out of the elevator there is a security desk and a sign that says "All visitors MUST check-in after 9PM"... Now does that mean 9 PM today or yesterday? Because I viewed it as both being that it was almost 6 AM today... Well there was a girl opening coffee shop so I asked her "Is there supposed to be someone here to check me in?" Her response " Yeah, but there isn't usually someone there." Okay... so I just told her I know where I'm going and took off. She didn't seem to care and I took offense to that.
5:45 AM - I enter the room expecting to see people buzzing and things happening. Nope, it's dark and a few mommy tears. I got caught up on what had happened (which was nothing) and told them I was ready with my energy drink in hand. Shelly said she'd leave us alone and that we should get some rest (Someone should have told me this BEFORE I got the drink...).
6:00 AM - I sit down to finally update the blog. Carrie talks to me about some things but she is slowly getting drowsy. She checks out the menu and notices that they require "parental supervision for children under 5 if they are consuming a hot dog". She asks me to check her blood pressure (some black digital numbers against a green background) and tells me that if things start beeping I'll have to take care of it. She's slightly confused about that one, I'm not getting paid to be here, the nurses are. I'm in charge of the iPod. (if you get that reference you rule!)
6:18 AM - Finished updating blog, getting drowsy. Energy Drink is failing... no surprise. Uh Oh, something is beeping...
8:01 AM - I am awakened by womens' voices... They are talking pregnancy stuff. I hear things like "5 cm and we'll give it 3 hours. Everything is going great and get some rest." This is what I don't hear... "ALL HANDS ON!! BABY COMING!!" or "DAMN IT JIM I'M A DOCTOR!" or "Da da da, da da daaaa.... You're watching Sportscenter"...
8:44 AM - Some nurse enters and I hear some bleeps and bloops. She is quiet, like a Ninja but I can see her and hear her, so not a very good Ninja. She asks Carrie if she wants to flip sides. Carrie says no. Nurse says "I like to do flips and flops. They are good." Carrie says she knows but doesn't feel like moving at the moment. I think Ninja Nurse just met her match.
8:50 AM - Shelly (Carrie's Mom in case you didn't know) just entered the dark nesting room. She was sleeping in the lounge on a couch. She looked comfortable and homeless. Carrie suggested we go get some breakfast, I think Denny's is now offering a free Grand Slam breakfast on your birthday. If Jack were here I'd take him and get him one. I guess we're going to have to settle for the cafeteria food. Let's hope it's better than UofM's football team... somehow I doubt it.
8:58 AM - Carrie just compared getting an epidural to getting a shot in the mouth. I won't tell her out loud now, but she's wrong. While both allow body parts to go numb, I can still pee on my own when getting a shot in the mouth.
9:00 AM - This was awesome. Carrie just hit a button and told some lady (assumed nurse) that she needs Ninja Nurse (not her words, mine) to come in and flip her. I was like "OOOHHH!!! NO SHE DIDN'T" in my head. This is tense and I'm not leaving until Ninja Nurse completes the flip. I think we all know who is calling the shots here.
9:05 AM - This is going down like Rocky vs Mr. T. Carrie so flipped herself before the nurse came in. Ninja Nurse walks in... "What did you flip yourself right after I left?" Carrie "No, I just did it. I woke up some more and realized I should" Ninja Nurse "So you realized I was right?" Carrie "Yes" but then here is the real kicker... Carrie then told her she needed to change her sheets!! I mean this is back and forth. The nurse sprayed some bottle everywhere... I have no idea what is actually going on beyond my computer screen and i'm not sure I or you want to know. Ninja Nurse (NN) just made a Michigan difference joke, I'm not impressed.
Apparently NN is a big Pad Changer... this is getting weird and I'm not sure if I should actually be listening or relaying some of this information. I've been handed a Coca-Cola classic from Shelly. Score! NN likes to "spray the whole bottle" What is in this bottle? Water? I don't ask and just sit in the corner silently recording the events that are taking place in the room. NN doesn't have kids.... NN is annoying me but does provide some entertainment and is a source of things to blog about.
9:16 AM - Shelly makes a joke "Better watch out for nurses and their scissors, they may just cut your clothes off." I laugh, NN doesn't laugh. Carrie and Shelly just said they like NN and that she is a day nurse. The only thing that says to me is that she's not a Vampire.
9:22 AM - I just realized what I don't like about NN... she is a self promoter. She often says things like "I'm awesome" and "See, I rule!" and "You didn't even need to tell me but I did it anyway." Carrie just got some ice and she is chewing on it now and reading the Menu again. Contractions are at 5-6 minutes apart but nobody really knows what's going on, it's all a guessing game at this hospital.
9:44 AM - CONFIRMED - He's a soccer player and I quote "He's kicking me!" NN IS BACK! We are back on the flip and flopping conversation... NN just said "You need to follow my suggestions, they are really good." I'm pretty sure there is a trophy in the Nurses lounge with NN on top of it. More self promoting going on... ha ha, she has to change the pee cup. She just said that pee looks like beer... Yeah, cheap American Beer... There is a conversation about cup sizes... HOLY SMOKES THAT WAS A LOT OF PEE!! Going to find batteries for Shelly's camera. Might be a bit before an update.
10:23 AM - Back from UH Cafe. Wasn't really that hungry but Carrie wanted me to get something to eat. We took the long way getting there but the short way getting back. On the short way back as I clicked the up button on the elevator, I hear from behind "You two have badges!" Oh crap, they finally caught up to me. As mentioned before, the security person was not there when I first came in. I was badgeless and Shelly had one with no picture ID. BUSTED! I felt like I got an instant 4 stars in GTA and the cops were right behind the corner. No chance. So as the woman was processing us she looks at me and says, with a straight face "You should get a picture ID that doesn't make you look like your 12". WHAT?! My response "Maybe you should get an attitude that doesn't make you a ...." (Fill in the Blank) Yeah that went well, I had to duck and roll behind the nearest wheel chair to avoid the pen flying at my head. Security was on me in a flash (including Ninja Nurse, even though I had a bag over my head I knew it was her because she said "I knew he was trouble, if you only listened to me. I rule!") and that was the end of my stay at UofM hospital.
Alright back to reality, my response - "I'll take that as a compliment." but really inside I died just a little and an angel lost its wings. So I now have a blue badge that says Parent with a picture of a 12 year old on it.
10:46 AM - Things are quite boring at the moment. If I were to type only reality you would be seeing updates like this. "A nurse in light blue scrubs walks in with a knock. Greetings are said and she begins checking the monitors to see how contractions are coming along. She makes sure Carrie is comfortable and suggests moving on to her other side. Some pleasantries are had and the nurse leaves to check on another patient." I could then copy and paste this statement every hour with minor changes until things pick up.
10:52 AM - I just went to release some fluids... nothing's changed. Tiger Woods is about to make his apology speech. I may start blogging about that while things are slow here.
11:00 AM - Mid-wife is in and doing a check. Awaiting results while monitoring the Tiger Woods situation...
11:02 AM - She is still at 5 cm and the mid-wife (MW) is suggesting pitocin to get things moving again. NN is trying to steal the show with a few "silly" hiccups but I see right through her. I like MW, she seems really cool and nice. I'm glad. Jack needs to enter this world with a happy feeling in the room. Not a Self-promoting one that NN brings to the table. NN just shot something into a trashcan and gave herself a high five. I'm not impressed. I've seen Evie make shots from farther away and she's 14 months old... plus it was more of a bank shot and she didn't call it.
11:09 AM - Shelly is talking about her trip to Greece and NN just tried to one up her by saying she's going to Paris and Spain and Morocco and something about Ca-sa-blanca. I'm not kidding this Nurse is annoying the crap out of me. But Carrie and Shelly seem to like her...
11:16 AM - I caught the end of the Tiger Woods conference... he was hugging a bunch of people... most of them women. Not a good start Tiger... In completely unrelated news, Jack is still inside Carrie.
11:27 AM - NN just brought in a GIANT EGG! Not kidding, it's a ball shaped like an egg and it says in shadow letters "EGG". However, nothing is happening with the egg, she just put it on a tray where Jack will go when he is out. Carrie is feeling a little light headed but NN says she looks fine. Looks aren't feelings dummy. Now she is telling Carrie that she was contracting even though the monitor said she wasn't. There is an exchange of words... Basically it is NN saying she is right and knows whats going on. I think she is watching Jeopardy re-runs for her information. Coming soon a picture!
11:37 AM This was done with her permission
11:45 AM - Yawn. Checked in on Evie a little while ago. She is doing great with Grandma Baldwin! Carrie is still not on pitocin, her contractions picked up again so they are holding off. I'm ready for a nap, this is exhausting.
12:25 PM - I just woke up both hands are numb because they fell asleep. Heather, the MW, is here and still no pitocin. We (I say this like I am doing something but really I'm half awake) are going to check her in an hour to see if she has progressed past 5 cm with all of these natural contractions. NN is also still in the room and I want her to leave. Life was better when she wasn't here and I was asleep. NN just admitted she wasn't nice!! I did not laugh, she did. I think I've proved my point with her.
12:36 PM - We are all sharing how long it took to push out our first child. I didn't do any pushing so I'm staying out of this conversation. Shelly got me another Coke. I think I'm going to sign a contract with them after this for all this free promotion. Coke, not only at the Olympic games but also in the delivery room. Also, I thought I'd update the room. It's still dim/dark. Makes it easy to sleep. There is a TV but Carrie doesn't want it on. That's okay because its not widescreen or HD TV. C'mon UofM get with the TIMES!!
12:43 PM - I have now been blogging for 12 hours. This is hard stuff. Hope all you readers out there are still enjoying the updates. =)
12:57 PM - The Great EGG!
1:03 PM - Carrie says, "I'm good, just ready for things... to ... so I can push him out. I still have to do the hard part. Well, it won't be that hard." the blood pressue alarm is going off and we need a Nurse to come in and silence it. It's good to know that if your body actually starts failing that they rush in on their own...
1:09 PM - There is some confusion around the Egg... It is a birthing ball. I'm not sure why it is here because Carrie can't move, aside from flip flopping. Personally I want to crack it. I guess there are a lot of babies that want to get born today because the hospital is apparently really busy. I've been in one room most of the day so I don't see these other pregos but I guess they are here.
1:15 PM - NN has been in the room for about 5 minutes and that's 5 minutes too long. I don't think anybody else in the room realizes how much I do not like her. I really want a new character to add to this blog because I'm tired of writing about her. Carrie has pitocin now so we will see if things start picking up. I'm going for a quick walk...
1:24 PM - Something really exciting happened on my walk, my right shoe lace became untied. Don't worry, I was able to tie it successfully! Carrie is getting .5 cc's of pitocin per hour... they are laughing at how little that is. I hate medical jokes.
1:30 PM - On the wall in the room there is a folder bin hanging that says "While you're here.... Look at what we have to offer!" Then bin is empty. HEATHER IS HERE! YAY!! She is like the White Ninja and NN is the black Ninja. Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader. Gandolf the White VS Sarumon! Light vs Dark! Carrie is at 6 cm.
1:43 PM - For all you noobs out there, 10-11 cm is considered transition labor which means Jack is on his way. MW thinks we should be getting about a cm an hour but obviously it's not going that fast. It's okay, I forgive her. Carrie is having a bit more discomfort but that can be good or bad I guess. I'm having some discomfort in my bladder.
1:58 PM - Carrie's Hair is silky smooth and we just turned on a light near the door. It's still kinda dark. NN just walked in with a slight skip, I want her to trip. There is a window behind my seat but the blinds have been shut the whole time and now we know why... the window opens up to a steel wall. In the words of Carrie "That is kind of depressing" I went over and finally touched the Egg... yep its a ball. Carrie and NN are making jokes with each other. Shelly just walked in with stuff she stole from a bin in the lounge. Baby legs, a baby hat and a little sleeper. (She didn't steal it the bin says take them for free)
2:15 PM - Tools of the trade:
Contractionmaster.com - You can become a fan of it on Facebook. By using this nifty site you can time your contractions and the time between them! Want to know what it's like to be in labor? Head over to contractionmaster and find out for yourself!
Ice Cubes - Eat these to annoy others around you and keep yourself busy.
2:21 PM - Room service just dropped off some broth and Jello. Carrie can feel her contractions (vaguely) right now and they seem to be moving along! Alright!
2:35 PM - The broth and Jello did NOT stay in Carrie's stomach. Oh well... I think we may have a baby in the next 2-3 hours. But that's just my expert opinion. This whole thing is really draining but I'm staying strong! Carrie just popped her epidural line and was yelling "Help! Help!" In a flash (by flash I mean really slowly) Ninja Nurse fixed it. Good News! NN is leaving at 3 pm!! And we are getting a new nurse.
2:40 PM - Something just started flashing and beeping really loud and fast, it got my adrenaline going and everyone else is calm. I'm staying calm too, on the outside. I guess everything is fine but I'm a bit shaken. Or maybe that is the caffeine wearing off.
2:58 PM - Apparently one woman came in just before Carrie this morning and she already delivered her baby next door. Now someone else (a woman as well) is in that room and she is about to have her baby. JACK WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
3:06 PM - I just made two comments to which nobody (in the room) said anything. Guys - in the delivery room YOU DON'T MATTER!! I could have said I just won the lottery and nobody would have heard it.
3:23 PM - The lights are all off and Carrie is getting some sleep... she is still at 6 cm and everyone is getting tired and hungry. I'm tired as well so there may not be an update for a while.
4:09 PM - I just went and got some food. We have a screamer next door. She is yelling away like its going to make the pain feel better. Carrie met the new nurse and said she is nice. We'll see. I had a turkey with Cranberry sandwich on Ciabatta bread. Delicious. I am also sipping a cool Brisk and there are some Dove chocolates in my pocket. Carrie and Shelly are both sleeping (trying to at least) right now and I moved a chair across the room so I didn't have to move the computer. I'm going to find a game online to help pass the time because things are slow right now and the waiting room is packed.
4:30 PM - Wow, this is really taking a LONG time. So much for the 2nd one taking half as long... geesh! Sorry folks but I'm just plain out running out of things to talk about. I talked to my Mom before I got some food and Evie appears to be doing just fine without us.
5:02 PM - Carrie is feeling some pressure. This is good. May not be much longer now!
5:30 PM - This just in... Someone I know (Courtney Seeley) knows Ninja Nurse. Now, let's just recap things real quick. I was a little over the top with my description of her and half awake most of the time. I'm running on about 5 or so hours of sleep and Carrie and Shelly both liked her. Towards the end she got better but again just not my cup of tea and she gave me something to rant about. Ninja Nurse, if you ever read this blog. It was nothing personal and if anything, you owe me for giving you the coolest nickname ever.
5:43 PM - Carrie is feeling fatigued and the hospital is still packed. They are moving people up to the 7th floor after birth. Normally they keep you in the same room (that is just what they normally do here) but it looks like we may be moving once Jack decides to come out. COME ON BUDDY!!
5:52 PM - The MW just admitted to wanting to taste the gravel in her driveway post-pardom. In fact she did and now knows what it tastes like. This was brought about by all the ice Carrie has been chewing. MW is cool!
6:00 PM - Things are picking up... we are getting a reading...OH MAN! OH MAN! 9+ cm!! It's just around the corner now!! Oh man!! this is exciting!! I need to get into position. Up at the top and away from the action!! OH MAN!!
6:09 PM - I am strangely very anxious. I normally have ice running through my veins but some reason I'm really antsy. Maybe it's because I know what is going to happen. There is a lot less commotion this time though. It's just me, Carrie, Shelly and the MW. Last time there were like 5 nurses two doctors and the rest of us.... OH man. I'm just sitting in the corner waiting!!
6:32 PM - Nothing much to report. Carrie is coming along and starting to push a little bit but not much. Things could kick into high gear at a moment's notice!
6:36 PM - For some reason Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" just popped into my head.
6:40 PM - I specifically remember being told there were going to be Laser lights! Where are the laser lights?!?!
6:41 PM - Carrie just threw a Pillow!! I think she was aiming for me but it fell just short. I'm not even saying anything!
6:48 PM - Carrie just had a really good push! Everyone is really happy with that! I'm just sitting in the corner silently.
6:53 PM - Not long now!!
6:57 PM - MW just said it is basically time for him to come out!
7:01 PM - JACK IS HERE!!!
7:21 PM - Jack is 7 lbs 13 oz!!! He is beautiful and healthy!!! NO PROBLEMS!! So far he is really laid back and not crying. He is nibbling at his hand and just gorgeous!! Pictures soon!! Both Mommy and Baby are great and Dad can barely contain himself!
Monday, April 27, 2009
A fresh pair of Underwear
There is really no way around it, budgeting is about as much fun as being a Lions fan. I am currently making the most money I've ever made and I still cannot just go out and buy whatever I want. Granted, for the first time in a long time all our bills are being paid, we have a good amount of groceries in the kitchen and I'm eating really well. Also, we haven't had an overdraw in our checking account for months now!! However, I guess at some point I thought it would be different. I thought, soon I will just buy what I want, when I want... boy have my priorities changed. I like to think about spending money, more than actually doing it...but it's hard to think about it when I don't even have any to spend! But this is not a huge deal... what I'm really getting at is my recent change in how I view my things.
I'm going through the strangest part of my life now where I truly am no longer a "kid" and I'm entering the world of careers, 401k's, stocks, bonds, savings, college savings and my future. Heck, I just turned 24 and I have LIFE INSURANCE!! (I am convinced that I now have a big red target on my back that says, "Kill me!! Go ahead, it's covered!!" ) Oh, sure, I'm still the biggest goofball, bad-joke cracking, face-making, name-calling, energy-wasting, strange voice making idiot that I have always been... but it's becoming different. Now, don't laugh too hard but I'm.... more mature but in only the way I could mature.
There are times now when I know what I should do versus what I want to do... but I choose to do what I should do. Slowly, my wants have been knocked down one by one until by the time I'm ready for them... I don't feel like addressing them. I'm not talking about going to work, getting up early and going to bed at a decent hour (that one I'm breaking at the moment), it's more of the little things. For me, it's not watching what I want too on TV, or taking the garbage out b/c I know She will appreciate it, playing with my daughter when I really feel like killing in COD4. I still play video games, but its about a 9:1 reading to playing ratio, I'm sure by definition I'm a video game Poser.
Most of these changes have come with being a husband, father and provider for the family. Trust me, I feel great that I am providing for my wife and daughter, but I must admit at times I wonder, where is my spending spree? It's coming, oh, its coming. My next major purchase will come as no surprise to anyone as I upgrade our TV to the latest wave of HD TVs. But I feel bad even thinking about it. Other things have taken higher priority and to be honest, it scares me at times how comfortable I am with it.
Let's just make sure one thing is straight here: I love my life. God has blessed Carrie and I with a wonderful baby girl, an amazing family and a relationship with Him that goes far beyond any materials in this world. Would I be any happier with a little extra cash and the money to buy my new TV... no. And (obviously) I know that. But that doesn't mean I don't want it. =)
Last Call
Literally this time, it's late and I'm slowing shutting down. Speaking of shutting down, I heard GM is discontinuing the Pontiac brand and possibly auctioning others off to the highest bidder. I'm not surprised, but it is strange for me to think of Pontiac's no longer being made. More importantly are the jobs being lost and the lives who are impacted by this decision.
I'm going through the strangest part of my life now where I truly am no longer a "kid" and I'm entering the world of careers, 401k's, stocks, bonds, savings, college savings and my future. Heck, I just turned 24 and I have LIFE INSURANCE!! (I am convinced that I now have a big red target on my back that says, "Kill me!! Go ahead, it's covered!!" ) Oh, sure, I'm still the biggest goofball, bad-joke cracking, face-making, name-calling, energy-wasting, strange voice making idiot that I have always been... but it's becoming different. Now, don't laugh too hard but I'm.... more mature but in only the way I could mature.
There are times now when I know what I should do versus what I want to do... but I choose to do what I should do. Slowly, my wants have been knocked down one by one until by the time I'm ready for them... I don't feel like addressing them. I'm not talking about going to work, getting up early and going to bed at a decent hour (that one I'm breaking at the moment), it's more of the little things. For me, it's not watching what I want too on TV, or taking the garbage out b/c I know She will appreciate it, playing with my daughter when I really feel like killing in COD4. I still play video games, but its about a 9:1 reading to playing ratio, I'm sure by definition I'm a video game Poser.
Most of these changes have come with being a husband, father and provider for the family. Trust me, I feel great that I am providing for my wife and daughter, but I must admit at times I wonder, where is my spending spree? It's coming, oh, its coming. My next major purchase will come as no surprise to anyone as I upgrade our TV to the latest wave of HD TVs. But I feel bad even thinking about it. Other things have taken higher priority and to be honest, it scares me at times how comfortable I am with it.
Let's just make sure one thing is straight here: I love my life. God has blessed Carrie and I with a wonderful baby girl, an amazing family and a relationship with Him that goes far beyond any materials in this world. Would I be any happier with a little extra cash and the money to buy my new TV... no. And (obviously) I know that. But that doesn't mean I don't want it. =)
Last Call
Literally this time, it's late and I'm slowing shutting down. Speaking of shutting down, I heard GM is discontinuing the Pontiac brand and possibly auctioning others off to the highest bidder. I'm not surprised, but it is strange for me to think of Pontiac's no longer being made. More importantly are the jobs being lost and the lives who are impacted by this decision.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Quick Notes
I had a great day today and just wanted to note that in a blog. Carrie and I went to Amazing Grace this morning and it was some AWESOME worship! Then we heard about the trip to Columbia and they are really doing some amazing stuff through their ministries. Very cool. Also, they are planning a trip to West Virginia next year. Nanette turned to me and said she could see me doing it. Coincidence, I think not but I was thinking the same thing while I was watching the slide show from the Columbia trip. Then Carrie mentioned it again in the car and had her dad ask about how much it would cost. I think it is something Carrie and I should strongly consider doing. Very exciting, very cool.
Then we were treated to a true treat. FUDDRUCKERS!! Love their burgers. Haven't been there in years and let me tell you... it is still amazing. Love it.
My mom is in town because she just got back from her Chicago trip. She got Evie a nice "onesie", me a Wrigley Field baseball tee and Carrie got a new cheese grater (not from Chicago, my dad got it for her b/c he loves Pampered Chef and we were talking about getting a cheese grater and my dad has one from them and he will buy anything from Pampered Chef...and for good reason, it's good stuff. Plus he was buying himself a new knife I guess and remembered. Pretty cool I say.) So now Carrie can grate cheese more efficiently.
Now we are watching Juno and I've seen it a bunch of times so I can go all woman-like and watch the movie while being on the computer. I can't believe you women can do this with movies/shows you've never seen. I'm a single or no thought at a time man. Yes, I can think absolutely nothing. And I am not the only man who can do it.
What an Amazingly Great Grace Filled Day of Love! (AGGFDL)
Last Call
Update, I've changed our cable again... I decided to drop HD and then go back to the package I had before. Why? Well my TV is small enough that HD doesn't make a HUGE difference.... it still saddens me though. But...now I can watch the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings again. I could do without it, but for only $5 more, I decided it was worth it. Another thing, I was becoming more obsessed with listening to the games on the radio then I was on TV... I think its okay... but check back in a few weeks when I lower it again.... I'm pathetic, I know.
Then we were treated to a true treat. FUDDRUCKERS!! Love their burgers. Haven't been there in years and let me tell you... it is still amazing. Love it.
My mom is in town because she just got back from her Chicago trip. She got Evie a nice "onesie", me a Wrigley Field baseball tee and Carrie got a new cheese grater (not from Chicago, my dad got it for her b/c he loves Pampered Chef and we were talking about getting a cheese grater and my dad has one from them and he will buy anything from Pampered Chef...and for good reason, it's good stuff. Plus he was buying himself a new knife I guess and remembered. Pretty cool I say.) So now Carrie can grate cheese more efficiently.
Now we are watching Juno and I've seen it a bunch of times so I can go all woman-like and watch the movie while being on the computer. I can't believe you women can do this with movies/shows you've never seen. I'm a single or no thought at a time man. Yes, I can think absolutely nothing. And I am not the only man who can do it.
What an Amazingly Great Grace Filled Day of Love! (AGGFDL)
Last Call
Update, I've changed our cable again... I decided to drop HD and then go back to the package I had before. Why? Well my TV is small enough that HD doesn't make a HUGE difference.... it still saddens me though. But...now I can watch the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings again. I could do without it, but for only $5 more, I decided it was worth it. Another thing, I was becoming more obsessed with listening to the games on the radio then I was on TV... I think its okay... but check back in a few weeks when I lower it again.... I'm pathetic, I know.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Somebody please shed a tear for German Prostitutes.
Because I'm not going to. I was recently watching the press conference of the Captain saved at sea. A Heroic effort and the way our government should act... a little more often. You got our guy? Okay, you have 3 hours to hand the Yankee over or we are killing your Terrorist behind. Got it? No? Oh okay well hang on... just a .. pop pop pop... Oh, clean yourself up, you dead. BOO YAH!!! But I digress....
So I'm watching this and I look over to my right and I see this headline: German prostitutes hit by recession.
What?!!! That's isn't news! This is the world we live in now. I guess it's legal there or something and guys are trying to get more for their money. There are over 400,000 prostitutes in Germany. 400,000!!! I'm probably the last person on Earth to know about this but WTF!! Seriously! And the fact that they are reporting that they are hurt by the recession is stupid. Should I feel sorry for them? Is that why they are reporting it? I'm not sure but it certainly upset me.
I understand that they are just reporting (and it's international, whatever) but there are better stories out there. Like the Captain who go rescued. Babies being born. People losing wait. Single Mothers holding two jobs to support her children. Heck! Even just regular stay @ home Moms! People being saved, physically and spiritually. Whatever. I'm not a big rally the troops and rebel person but I guess it just goes to show what kind of world we are in.
As a new Daddy I have become more aware of the type of world my daughter and future kids are going to be growing up in. It's so much different now than it was when I was growing up... and that was within the last decade!! My goal is to continually show her the good in this world and make her aware of the evils and potential paths. I know at some point it will be up to her to make the right choice and I just hope it's easier than I think it will be.
Last Call
I just debuted in my first soccer game in Ann Arbor tonight. It was the first time playing in the city since my travel/high school days. It went well... we lost, but I had one true assist and another hockey assist (the guy didn't need to pass it to the next guy... geez) but I should have had a couple more and maybe a goal. Wait... i never took a shot.... on no I took one, that was crazy... ask me about it I'm not typing here. But now it's time for a couple ice cold Miller Lites (that Carrie surprised me with... I'm not buying beer for the apartment anymore) and listen to the Tigers.
So I'm watching this and I look over to my right and I see this headline: German prostitutes hit by recession.
What?!!! That's isn't news! This is the world we live in now. I guess it's legal there or something and guys are trying to get more for their money. There are over 400,000 prostitutes in Germany. 400,000!!! I'm probably the last person on Earth to know about this but WTF!! Seriously! And the fact that they are reporting that they are hurt by the recession is stupid. Should I feel sorry for them? Is that why they are reporting it? I'm not sure but it certainly upset me.
I understand that they are just reporting (and it's international, whatever) but there are better stories out there. Like the Captain who go rescued. Babies being born. People losing wait. Single Mothers holding two jobs to support her children. Heck! Even just regular stay @ home Moms! People being saved, physically and spiritually. Whatever. I'm not a big rally the troops and rebel person but I guess it just goes to show what kind of world we are in.
As a new Daddy I have become more aware of the type of world my daughter and future kids are going to be growing up in. It's so much different now than it was when I was growing up... and that was within the last decade!! My goal is to continually show her the good in this world and make her aware of the evils and potential paths. I know at some point it will be up to her to make the right choice and I just hope it's easier than I think it will be.
Last Call
I just debuted in my first soccer game in Ann Arbor tonight. It was the first time playing in the city since my travel/high school days. It went well... we lost, but I had one true assist and another hockey assist (the guy didn't need to pass it to the next guy... geez) but I should have had a couple more and maybe a goal. Wait... i never took a shot.... on no I took one, that was crazy... ask me about it I'm not typing here. But now it's time for a couple ice cold Miller Lites (that Carrie surprised me with... I'm not buying beer for the apartment anymore) and listen to the Tigers.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Why I hate sharing a computer
Yeah, I've had it. This is the last straw, I'm tired of sharing a computer. I'm a freakin' computer scientist!! It's embarassing.
Geeky Person: "Dude I just upgraded to the Quad Core 2.6 gHz processor with a 900 mHz frontside bus, a 2 gb nVidia graphics card, 20 gigs of dual channel RAM with three low power high circulation spinners... All on my CHXY Reus 6000 Motherboard. Also, pair that with my 20" HD LCD screen and 7.1 surround, I'm running Crysis at 60 fps super clean."
Me: "Wow, that's pretty cool"
Geeky Person: "What's your setup?"
Me: "Well, ya know. It's a laptop. Dell. 2 gig dual channel... wait maybe 4. Geforce 7400 graphics card... I think. Intel Dual Core Duo... 2.something- gHz. Like a 12.5 inch screen, bigger battery. Wireless card. Missing a couple keys, dog did that. I have a dual boot on it... but then it got screwed up, so running XP."
Geeky Person: "No man, YOUR computer. Not the family comp."
Me: "Oh, ha ha. Yeah, that's in the closet right now. Wife says we don't have any room for it. And she's right. Besides, it's like 5-6 yrs old now."
G. P: "Oh... cool. So I'll see you later."
Me: "Yeah. Okay."
Weeks go by and I'll never hear from the individual again. It's like being on a soccer team, without any boots, guards or a soccer ball. So besides not having the latest and greatest (Also, there is a unspoken word I think that you should have at least one computer running a unix based OS. Yeah... ) I dislike sharing a computer because of the following:
1. Logins staying logged in. I can't even count how many times I have posted stuff under my wife's account in facebook, blogger or whatever it may be. She has done the same too. It's annoying!
2. If we both want the computer at the same time... who gets it? Carrie.
3. No offense ladies, but for the most part when you start fiddling around with a computer, stuff breaks. Carrie is actually really good at this, but I will never forget this story. Jessie and I are in a computer lab... er, the computer science computer lab at school and I was helping her with some work. I had to get something from my school email which I never use. The following is a real conversation.
Me: "Wow, I have a ton of junk mail..."
Jessie: "Wait! How do you know that is junk?!"
Me: "It's obvious, I don't know him."
Jessie: "But the subjects says: 'Hi, there!'"
Me: "Yeah..."
Jessie: "So maybe he knows you."
Me: "No. You're kidding me right?"
Jessie: "Well how do you know, unless you open it?"
Me: "You're not joking. (looks around @ other CS students who are all wide eyed and mouths dropped) Jess, that is junk mail. Probably has a virus or stupid advertisement. You NEVER open email from someone you don't know or the subject is simply 'Hi, there'"
I can't remember her reaction but I'm sure we all know it. Point is, women someway, somehow just have it out for computers and eventually do something to them. (I'm not saying guys don't either)
4. Finding it. I like knowing my computer is in one spot and is always there. I don't like finding my laptop on the carpet under a blanket and still running. Ugh.
Last Call
My first soccer game in AA is tomorrow. I'm excited!
Geeky Person: "Dude I just upgraded to the Quad Core 2.6 gHz processor with a 900 mHz frontside bus, a 2 gb nVidia graphics card, 20 gigs of dual channel RAM with three low power high circulation spinners... All on my CHXY Reus 6000 Motherboard. Also, pair that with my 20" HD LCD screen and 7.1 surround, I'm running Crysis at 60 fps super clean."
Me: "Wow, that's pretty cool"
Geeky Person: "What's your setup?"
Me: "Well, ya know. It's a laptop. Dell. 2 gig dual channel... wait maybe 4. Geforce 7400 graphics card... I think. Intel Dual Core Duo... 2.something- gHz. Like a 12.5 inch screen, bigger battery. Wireless card. Missing a couple keys, dog did that. I have a dual boot on it... but then it got screwed up, so running XP."
Geeky Person: "No man, YOUR computer. Not the family comp."
Me: "Oh, ha ha. Yeah, that's in the closet right now. Wife says we don't have any room for it. And she's right. Besides, it's like 5-6 yrs old now."
G. P: "Oh... cool. So I'll see you later."
Me: "Yeah. Okay."
Weeks go by and I'll never hear from the individual again. It's like being on a soccer team, without any boots, guards or a soccer ball. So besides not having the latest and greatest (Also, there is a unspoken word I think that you should have at least one computer running a unix based OS. Yeah... ) I dislike sharing a computer because of the following:
1. Logins staying logged in. I can't even count how many times I have posted stuff under my wife's account in facebook, blogger or whatever it may be. She has done the same too. It's annoying!
2. If we both want the computer at the same time... who gets it? Carrie.
3. No offense ladies, but for the most part when you start fiddling around with a computer, stuff breaks. Carrie is actually really good at this, but I will never forget this story. Jessie and I are in a computer lab... er, the computer science computer lab at school and I was helping her with some work. I had to get something from my school email which I never use. The following is a real conversation.
Me: "Wow, I have a ton of junk mail..."
Jessie: "Wait! How do you know that is junk?!"
Me: "It's obvious, I don't know him."
Jessie: "But the subjects says: 'Hi, there!'"
Me: "Yeah..."
Jessie: "So maybe he knows you."
Me: "No. You're kidding me right?"
Jessie: "Well how do you know, unless you open it?"
Me: "You're not joking. (looks around @ other CS students who are all wide eyed and mouths dropped) Jess, that is junk mail. Probably has a virus or stupid advertisement. You NEVER open email from someone you don't know or the subject is simply 'Hi, there'"
I can't remember her reaction but I'm sure we all know it. Point is, women someway, somehow just have it out for computers and eventually do something to them. (I'm not saying guys don't either)
4. Finding it. I like knowing my computer is in one spot and is always there. I don't like finding my laptop on the carpet under a blanket and still running. Ugh.
Last Call
My first soccer game in AA is tomorrow. I'm excited!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Here Comes Da Judge!
I've been trying more recently not to be very judgemental of people, places, things... basically nouns. But sometimes, you just can't help it. Like a few weeks ago, Carrie and I were driving around A2 (that's Ann Arbor for those of you that are not in the know... side note: Carrie invented that in the 4th grade. She lied to me and said the 3rd and I called her on it. Bobby 1 Carrie Bill Gates pocketbook) and we saw this, well man, I suppose. It had been nice for a few days, so more and more people could be seen running outside. For those who are not aware of this phenomenon it happens every year in Michigan. It's a strange site to see and it usually only lasts until the about the first or second week of April. But it is where people feel the warm weather and think...
"Oh man! This is what I've been waiting for! Time to go for that run I've been putting off since the end of last April!"
And during about a week or two period you see people in Michigan... wait for it.... EXERCISING! I know it's amazing. But all it takes is one last snow fall, and those people are gone as quickly as they came and won't be seen again until next March. But I digress. So this guy is running and he apparently knows something that nobody else in the world does. And he must have been practicing this all winter because he had it down. Now imagine a regular person running. One foot in front of the other, maybe a little bob in between each step. Assuming the runner knows how to breathe properly there, head is up and back rather straight, not slumped over. Normal so far... but what about their arms? Well... they pump right? One forward, one back, the other on forward, and the other one back. Now this guy, did not do the running-arm-pump. Instead, he had developed what I would describe as the chicken-wing-double-forearm. Yep, imagine a chicken, pulling it's wings in front of itself trying to give not one, but two forearms at the same time and then the chicken running around keeping it's wings up in front of him. I laughed at him as I imagined him falling and keeping his arms in that position all while thinking to himself... "Now THIS is going to help my fall" as both of his elbows bust on the sidewalk.
Now Today, I also judged. I was walking out to a meeting at work and saw this guy ahead of me as I turned the corner. Now, we wear business casual with jeans on Fridays. Typically guys where nice pants and a button down, with the occasional Polo. Also, we are doing pretty well and I'm sure I'm one of the lowest paid people on my floor, which is like saying the last player on the worst NFL team (the Lions) is poor, their not. Okay, I knew I was blogging about this the moment I saw this man's first article of clothing... a Fany pack... at work. Now this isn't just a Fany pack, it's a hardcore worn black leather Fany pack. These are the thoughts that run through my head:
Napoleon Dynamite, Fany Pack Patrick, it's crooked, why is he wearing that? Don't stare it's near his crotch, Anyone else think this is wierd? What kind of pants is he wearing... brown corduroy's, are you serious! this is amazing, wait what shirt is he wearing, a plaid shirt that matches his Cords! Yes priceless, Ferg Extreme, oh he turned, I better blog about this.
Yeah, that was all I thought in about 3 seconds (maybe less). I can just imagine him riding a blue 10 speed with white trim wheels and a Green Trucker hat with John Deere on it.
Last Call
Tonight's last call is to Fringe! Way to go Fringe, you are slowly... well quickly becoming my favorite TV show and tonight you are coming back on! Yay!
"Oh man! This is what I've been waiting for! Time to go for that run I've been putting off since the end of last April!"
And during about a week or two period you see people in Michigan... wait for it.... EXERCISING! I know it's amazing. But all it takes is one last snow fall, and those people are gone as quickly as they came and won't be seen again until next March. But I digress. So this guy is running and he apparently knows something that nobody else in the world does. And he must have been practicing this all winter because he had it down. Now imagine a regular person running. One foot in front of the other, maybe a little bob in between each step. Assuming the runner knows how to breathe properly there, head is up and back rather straight, not slumped over. Normal so far... but what about their arms? Well... they pump right? One forward, one back, the other on forward, and the other one back. Now this guy, did not do the running-arm-pump. Instead, he had developed what I would describe as the chicken-wing-double-forearm. Yep, imagine a chicken, pulling it's wings in front of itself trying to give not one, but two forearms at the same time and then the chicken running around keeping it's wings up in front of him. I laughed at him as I imagined him falling and keeping his arms in that position all while thinking to himself... "Now THIS is going to help my fall" as both of his elbows bust on the sidewalk.
Now Today, I also judged. I was walking out to a meeting at work and saw this guy ahead of me as I turned the corner. Now, we wear business casual with jeans on Fridays. Typically guys where nice pants and a button down, with the occasional Polo. Also, we are doing pretty well and I'm sure I'm one of the lowest paid people on my floor, which is like saying the last player on the worst NFL team (the Lions) is poor, their not. Okay, I knew I was blogging about this the moment I saw this man's first article of clothing... a Fany pack... at work. Now this isn't just a Fany pack, it's a hardcore worn black leather Fany pack. These are the thoughts that run through my head:
Napoleon Dynamite, Fany Pack Patrick, it's crooked, why is he wearing that? Don't stare it's near his crotch, Anyone else think this is wierd? What kind of pants is he wearing... brown corduroy's, are you serious! this is amazing, wait what shirt is he wearing, a plaid shirt that matches his Cords! Yes priceless, Ferg Extreme, oh he turned, I better blog about this.
Yeah, that was all I thought in about 3 seconds (maybe less). I can just imagine him riding a blue 10 speed with white trim wheels and a Green Trucker hat with John Deere on it.
Last Call
Tonight's last call is to Fringe! Way to go Fringe, you are slowly... well quickly becoming my favorite TV show and tonight you are coming back on! Yay!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Lions, Tigers and Darn those Bears... Oh My!
The count down has truly begun and in under 30 days the Lions will have to finally make a decision on a draft pick. I shake my head as I type this, stupid Lions. On Monday, the best game of the year will be played at Ford Field, the NCAA Championship game. Yeah, its an easy joke to make but the problem is, it is true. Now, I'm fairly confident that someone who doesn't know a lick about football, could watch a Lions game from last year and still be able to tell you they are bad. And the worst part isn't that the lose...it's how they lose. It's through complete desire and determination to give a Lions fan the most hope possible, and then CRUSH it. That is what is going to happen with the Draft. They are going to make me think they are not going to draft Stafford.... but they will. And here is Why:
Suck
Take the wind
Awful
Ford Field
Ford
Oh, we play Football?
Really?
Didn't know that...
Yep. And while we are at it, let's look at his first name:
Matt Millen
A waste of time
Talented?!
Talk, but no walk
Harrington
Every year
Wins
Sorry, that last one was a mistake, it should be Wins?! What are those?
Let's move on... the Tigers.
To
Improve
Greatly
Even though the
Roster is basically the
Same
Yeah, let's hope that last year every one had a bad year, because otherwise we are in trouble. The Tigers had a great team last year but if you look at the numbers, I'm pretty sure everyone (yes, even Miguel Cabrera) had numbers below there averages. Look at Willis! The man looks at a baseball like it's a hand grenade with the pin already pulled. Verlander will do better, he is not a one/two year and done player. No way a man can throw a no-no and then suddenly lose it every year after that. I don't believe it and neither should you. Also, Porcello sounds like the real deal and I cannot wait to see his stuff. The bats will be more alive and with the "Sheff" out of the picture and Inge back at third, I think the Tigers will get there roar back.
Da Bears. They landed Jay Cutler. Great. Have fun with that.
Last Call
Had my first Oberon's of the season. That is a great beer and to tell ya the truth, I think it's back. Last year was a little off, but I've had 4 so far and all without oranges and they were delicious. Good night AA.
Suck
Take the wind
Awful
Ford Field
Ford
Oh, we play Football?
Really?
Didn't know that...
Yep. And while we are at it, let's look at his first name:
Matt Millen
A waste of time
Talented?!
Talk, but no walk
Harrington
Every year
Wins
Sorry, that last one was a mistake, it should be Wins?! What are those?
Let's move on... the Tigers.
To
Improve
Greatly
Even though the
Roster is basically the
Same
Yeah, let's hope that last year every one had a bad year, because otherwise we are in trouble. The Tigers had a great team last year but if you look at the numbers, I'm pretty sure everyone (yes, even Miguel Cabrera) had numbers below there averages. Look at Willis! The man looks at a baseball like it's a hand grenade with the pin already pulled. Verlander will do better, he is not a one/two year and done player. No way a man can throw a no-no and then suddenly lose it every year after that. I don't believe it and neither should you. Also, Porcello sounds like the real deal and I cannot wait to see his stuff. The bats will be more alive and with the "Sheff" out of the picture and Inge back at third, I think the Tigers will get there roar back.
Da Bears. They landed Jay Cutler. Great. Have fun with that.
Last Call
Had my first Oberon's of the season. That is a great beer and to tell ya the truth, I think it's back. Last year was a little off, but I've had 4 so far and all without oranges and they were delicious. Good night AA.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ESPN... RIP
Two days ago I took a giant step in one man's life. It was one which deep down I knew had to be made... and now, well... ESPN is gone. I know, I know. It is just a TV channel. But it's not just ESPN, it's other channels too! You see even though I am now making a good bit of change, there is the problem of trying to catch up to everything from when I was making basically no money. In my glorious sacrifice, I lowered our TV Cable from 200 channels... to 70, to save a measley $15/month. Only $15 you say?! Yeah, well there are better things I can do with my life.
Let's do something new here huh? Let's make a Top 10 list!!!! Yes, okay here it is...
Top 10 Channels I will miss
10. TNT - Sure I didn't watch you often, but that doesn't mean I don't understand your importance! The Lord of the Rings Marathon, 90's action movies where things blow up for no reason and, of course, playoff basketball. Now, I could move you up the list just for this single reason... but something tells me I won't.
9. TBS - Just ahead of your big brother, I always took you for granted and never truly knew you were going to be gone, until you were. Just like the girlfriend you thought you didn't need, and then realized she was really all you had, you offered so much more than I imagined. Family Guy, Scrubs, and again, movie marathons on the weekend. Come to think of it, I'm more just going to miss the idea of having you... much like the girlfriend mentioned before.
8. Discovery Channel - Myth Busters, Dirty Jobs and It takes a Thief. Enough said. You found a way to not only expand my knowledge, but in an entertaining way. Now how will I ever know how to break into a pig farm to see if I can make a pig cannon.
7. Bravo - Yeah, this is an interesting choice but I'm just going to point out there is really only one reason, Project Runway. Now its not presently on right now, but that does not mean Heidi Klum is any less hot. Also, I must admit I'm hooked by the "reality" aspect of it... plus I'm learned a little bit about fashion and being sheik. All in all, I get mad and try to figure out which guys are straight up queer, which ones are still trying to figure it out and which ones just don't realize they are. Also, Tim Gunn is probably the coolest gay man ever.
6. Versus - Yes, I am a man. Versus provided me access to the sport of ice, blood, fights and pucks... HOCKEY! Yeah, during playoff time Versus is a channel to have! Hockey playoffs are the best and nobody can argue with me, because I won't change my mind.
Half way done... what could be my Top 5 channels I'm going to miss??
5. G4 - I didn't watch it as much as I use too, but knowing it was there always made me feel, safe. If nothing else was on I would turn on G4. Let's not forget it introduced me to this amazing moment in movie history. Let's not forget X-play, which is the best tv show video game review show ever. Also, Attack of the Show occasionally entertained me and any of those crazy Japanese shows.
4. ESPN 2 - While you are not up to the standards of your original, you are quiet awesome. If ESPN doesn't have it, you will. My favorite show that I will miss is First Take. While you are not quite as good when Woody Paige would battle Skip Bayless, it was still an entertaining show. You will be missed.
3. Sci-Fi - I love science-fiction so it is really no suprise to see you up in the Top 3. You introduced me to Eureka which is probably one of my favorite running shows. But thanks to the likes of Hulu you are only going to be missed on the semi-big screen. You also gave me my first taste of Firefly and for that alone I will once again order your channel again, someday. For now, El Fin... mi amigo.
2. ESPN - SUPRISED?! Yes we are! I love ESPN but to put it at a #2 spot leaves a huge question in ones mind. However, I have discovered a sweet alternative to you... ESPN360, which is provided through our ISP AT&T. I will miss all your great shows, MNF, PTI, Around the Horn, Rome is Burning, Baseball Tonight, NFL Live, NBA Shootaround, all your supported sporting events, College Gameday and, the great, Sportscenter. Yes, you will be missed.
.
.
.
.
1. Fox Sports Detroit - Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers on one channel... Yes, combined with the Best Damn Sports Show Ever, you are my most beloved channel. Not much more to say than that.
Last Call
I found this (again) while searching for some of my pictures and videos. Please enjoy if you have not seen this yet. Fireman
Let's do something new here huh? Let's make a Top 10 list!!!! Yes, okay here it is...
Top 10 Channels I will miss
10. TNT - Sure I didn't watch you often, but that doesn't mean I don't understand your importance! The Lord of the Rings Marathon, 90's action movies where things blow up for no reason and, of course, playoff basketball. Now, I could move you up the list just for this single reason... but something tells me I won't.
9. TBS - Just ahead of your big brother, I always took you for granted and never truly knew you were going to be gone, until you were. Just like the girlfriend you thought you didn't need, and then realized she was really all you had, you offered so much more than I imagined. Family Guy, Scrubs, and again, movie marathons on the weekend. Come to think of it, I'm more just going to miss the idea of having you... much like the girlfriend mentioned before.
8. Discovery Channel - Myth Busters, Dirty Jobs and It takes a Thief. Enough said. You found a way to not only expand my knowledge, but in an entertaining way. Now how will I ever know how to break into a pig farm to see if I can make a pig cannon.
7. Bravo - Yeah, this is an interesting choice but I'm just going to point out there is really only one reason, Project Runway. Now its not presently on right now, but that does not mean Heidi Klum is any less hot. Also, I must admit I'm hooked by the "reality" aspect of it... plus I'm learned a little bit about fashion and being sheik. All in all, I get mad and try to figure out which guys are straight up queer, which ones are still trying to figure it out and which ones just don't realize they are. Also, Tim Gunn is probably the coolest gay man ever.
6. Versus - Yes, I am a man. Versus provided me access to the sport of ice, blood, fights and pucks... HOCKEY! Yeah, during playoff time Versus is a channel to have! Hockey playoffs are the best and nobody can argue with me, because I won't change my mind.
Half way done... what could be my Top 5 channels I'm going to miss??
5. G4 - I didn't watch it as much as I use too, but knowing it was there always made me feel, safe. If nothing else was on I would turn on G4. Let's not forget it introduced me to this amazing moment in movie history. Let's not forget X-play, which is the best tv show video game review show ever. Also, Attack of the Show occasionally entertained me and any of those crazy Japanese shows.
4. ESPN 2 - While you are not up to the standards of your original, you are quiet awesome. If ESPN doesn't have it, you will. My favorite show that I will miss is First Take. While you are not quite as good when Woody Paige would battle Skip Bayless, it was still an entertaining show. You will be missed.
3. Sci-Fi - I love science-fiction so it is really no suprise to see you up in the Top 3. You introduced me to Eureka which is probably one of my favorite running shows. But thanks to the likes of Hulu you are only going to be missed on the semi-big screen. You also gave me my first taste of Firefly and for that alone I will once again order your channel again, someday. For now, El Fin... mi amigo.
2. ESPN - SUPRISED?! Yes we are! I love ESPN but to put it at a #2 spot leaves a huge question in ones mind. However, I have discovered a sweet alternative to you... ESPN360, which is provided through our ISP AT&T. I will miss all your great shows, MNF, PTI, Around the Horn, Rome is Burning, Baseball Tonight, NFL Live, NBA Shootaround, all your supported sporting events, College Gameday and, the great, Sportscenter. Yes, you will be missed.
.
.
.
.
1. Fox Sports Detroit - Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers on one channel... Yes, combined with the Best Damn Sports Show Ever, you are my most beloved channel. Not much more to say than that.
Last Call
I found this (again) while searching for some of my pictures and videos. Please enjoy if you have not seen this yet. Fireman
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March Madness? I think not.
Anybody that pays at least a little attention to the NCAA tourney knows this one thing... its been boring in terms of Madness. No Cindarella teams, (Arizona is not a Cindy... sorry... they just aren't) and things have played out pretty much how the seeds are. Sure there was the one Cleveland State over Wake Forest... but it was only one game... nothing to get too excited about.
Now I write this as I am slowly watching my bracket fail. Pitt is losing at half time and Purdue is just being out Man'd by UConn. This is where I begin to realize I just don't have what it takes anymore. I'm a husband, father and full-time employee. Sports is slowly becoming a late 5th...
Last Call
My battery is dying.
Now I write this as I am slowly watching my bracket fail. Pitt is losing at half time and Purdue is just being out Man'd by UConn. This is where I begin to realize I just don't have what it takes anymore. I'm a husband, father and full-time employee. Sports is slowly becoming a late 5th...
Last Call
My battery is dying.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
It's been a while.
Not sure why but I guess I have some free time now with the real job. But this is what I decided to do with it. I'm always getting messages from people or I look at Ben's blog (lifeofbenji) and there is this new funniest video ever or picture. I never seem to find these things or know where to start! Okay, so the MoInLaw was visiting for the night so there goes the TV time. So to pass the time I decided to go to youTube. And I wanted to find one of those cool videos people send me... well I found one. Now I have no idea how to find funny things so I just typed in the first funny thing that popped in my head... Nut Shots. Yep, I love 'em and I laugh at every single one. But this one is the best. Seriously, I missed it the first time through but that is the beauty. It is seriously the most impossible shot every... Ladies and gents... The Shoe
Last Call
Also check out these sites from during my Web searching... thinkGeek and GOTD.
Last Call
Also check out these sites from during my Web searching... thinkGeek and GOTD.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Come here You, I've got a big hug and a high five with Your name on it!!
So it was a typical Friday morning. Wake up, feed the dogs, poop and pee the dogs and then come back inside after being out in the white winter wonderland that Michigan becomes every January. However, when I returned I noticed my wife was in the shower. Odd, I thought since she typically only showers every 36-48 hours and I could have swore it had only been about 24... As I'm putting my gloves on the raising counter of a bar, I noticed the little black electronic I have been known to call "My Cellphone." I clicked the right side button and my heart began racing... "You have a new Voicemail".
Now this could be anybody but I have been anticipating a call from the interview I had the week before. With my heart pounding I skip the voicemail check and go straight to the missed calls. My blood began pumping and a rush went through my body as I saw the numerals... 7-3-4. No these are not my lucky horse track numbers... (although now they maybe) it is the area code for the Ann Arbor area. Crap.
With shaky fingers and the feeling like you have to go pee really bad, but can't find a restroom ... I hit 1 send and typed in my passcode. The verizon computer lady begins "You have..." I KNOW I KNOW get on with it!
The first words of the message begin and its Dan from Thomson-Reuters... cool as a cucumber but with the voice of a grizzly bear he introduces himself again and says he's calling about THE position. In this moment my heart stopped. Time slowed and complete adrenaline took over my body. I have been in many pressure situations in my life... Sudden death Penalty Kicks against the Cross town rival, taking the ACT, multiple interviews, busting peers with alcohol as a RA, meeting my now wife's parents for the first time in High School when we were dating, calling the pizza deliver guy... but nothing compared to the anxiety I felt in those split seconds before hearing what he had to say. This was it. Are we moving to Ann Arbor or back to Midland, in the Parents basement? Success or "Oh, we'll get em next time"? Family Video or Thomson-Reuters? Life or Death? (maybe not the last one...)
Well I know you all know what happened but it was seriously one of the first times I almost completely collapsed out of pure joy. Now, I'm a man so I caught myself and played it cool enough to tremble out to carrie while she was in the shower that I had a job. Did it go how I imagined? Not at all, I wasn't even happy... I did not shout, I did not yell, I didn't even prance around the room or do the I've got a job dance... I just trembled and staggered around like a bubbling bafoon. A HUGE, ENORMOUS, TREMENDOUS, GIGANTIC weight had been lifted and I felt like I couldn't even stand.
It wasn't until later that it truly all hit me and I realized just how much God had been working in me during the past months. He had kept me together. He had made me strong. He had carried the burden of despair and fear which without Him, would have crumbled me. I did not finally feel the weight of those feelings fall upon me, instead I felt the Love which He has for me. It was His Love which broke me. It was His Love which carried me. It is His Love which continues to Save me.
So, come here You, I've got a big hug and a high five with Your name on it!
Now this could be anybody but I have been anticipating a call from the interview I had the week before. With my heart pounding I skip the voicemail check and go straight to the missed calls. My blood began pumping and a rush went through my body as I saw the numerals... 7-3-4. No these are not my lucky horse track numbers... (although now they maybe) it is the area code for the Ann Arbor area. Crap.
With shaky fingers and the feeling like you have to go pee really bad, but can't find a restroom ... I hit 1 send and typed in my passcode. The verizon computer lady begins "You have..." I KNOW I KNOW get on with it!
The first words of the message begin and its Dan from Thomson-Reuters... cool as a cucumber but with the voice of a grizzly bear he introduces himself again and says he's calling about THE position. In this moment my heart stopped. Time slowed and complete adrenaline took over my body. I have been in many pressure situations in my life... Sudden death Penalty Kicks against the Cross town rival, taking the ACT, multiple interviews, busting peers with alcohol as a RA, meeting my now wife's parents for the first time in High School when we were dating, calling the pizza deliver guy... but nothing compared to the anxiety I felt in those split seconds before hearing what he had to say. This was it. Are we moving to Ann Arbor or back to Midland, in the Parents basement? Success or "Oh, we'll get em next time"? Family Video or Thomson-Reuters? Life or Death? (maybe not the last one...)
Well I know you all know what happened but it was seriously one of the first times I almost completely collapsed out of pure joy. Now, I'm a man so I caught myself and played it cool enough to tremble out to carrie while she was in the shower that I had a job. Did it go how I imagined? Not at all, I wasn't even happy... I did not shout, I did not yell, I didn't even prance around the room or do the I've got a job dance... I just trembled and staggered around like a bubbling bafoon. A HUGE, ENORMOUS, TREMENDOUS, GIGANTIC weight had been lifted and I felt like I couldn't even stand.
It wasn't until later that it truly all hit me and I realized just how much God had been working in me during the past months. He had kept me together. He had made me strong. He had carried the burden of despair and fear which without Him, would have crumbled me. I did not finally feel the weight of those feelings fall upon me, instead I felt the Love which He has for me. It was His Love which broke me. It was His Love which carried me. It is His Love which continues to Save me.
So, come here You, I've got a big hug and a high five with Your name on it!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Resistance 2: Die aliens, DIE!
Yeah so I totally recently just blasted through Resistance 2. And when I say blasted... I mean I killed some Chimera. I had been playing Call of Duty 4 before this and then decided since I got Resistance for X-mas I thought, let's play this game. Having not played the first one, I had to get caught up on all the action... which was cool.
I'm just gonna skip the details about the game and say, I love killin me some Aliens. It had a good story with a sastifying ending and Boss fight. What I especially liked about Resistance 2 is that I died... a lot. To be honest, I've gotten to the point where in a lot of the games I've been playing, I don't die very much. And to be honest, I'm not that great of a FPS gamer. This was probably the result of my demise many a times, but still I enjoyed the new challenge.
All and all, the graphics were solid, the gameplay was superb and the action was intense. There were multiple times when waves and waves of enemies were coming at me and I often wondered if I would have enough bullets to survive the onslaught. After multiple deaths, I had to learn the most effective method of killing the vermin so I could conserve ammo. This often was done by precision shots to the head and killing multiple enemies with a single shot.
To sum it up in a final sentence, I am happy I was able to play the title because I wouldn't have bought it had it not been given to me. I think every PS3 owner should pick up a copy.
Oh on a final note, the online multiplayer is awesome... when you're playing it. What I mean is, when a match ends that is it... You then have to re-enter what you're looking for. It is nothing like COD4 where you can just stay with a group and not have to find a new type of match.
Last Call
I had a job interview that I felt went really well. I really liked everything I learned about the position and it seems like a great company to work for. Also, it is located in Ann Arbor which I feel would be a great fit for Carrie and I. Everyday I have prayed that this is the right job and I continue to do so now after the interview. I can only continue to Hope and Pray this is the position God has been setting me and Carrie up for.
I'm just gonna skip the details about the game and say, I love killin me some Aliens. It had a good story with a sastifying ending and Boss fight. What I especially liked about Resistance 2 is that I died... a lot. To be honest, I've gotten to the point where in a lot of the games I've been playing, I don't die very much. And to be honest, I'm not that great of a FPS gamer. This was probably the result of my demise many a times, but still I enjoyed the new challenge.
All and all, the graphics were solid, the gameplay was superb and the action was intense. There were multiple times when waves and waves of enemies were coming at me and I often wondered if I would have enough bullets to survive the onslaught. After multiple deaths, I had to learn the most effective method of killing the vermin so I could conserve ammo. This often was done by precision shots to the head and killing multiple enemies with a single shot.
To sum it up in a final sentence, I am happy I was able to play the title because I wouldn't have bought it had it not been given to me. I think every PS3 owner should pick up a copy.
Oh on a final note, the online multiplayer is awesome... when you're playing it. What I mean is, when a match ends that is it... You then have to re-enter what you're looking for. It is nothing like COD4 where you can just stay with a group and not have to find a new type of match.
Last Call
I had a job interview that I felt went really well. I really liked everything I learned about the position and it seems like a great company to work for. Also, it is located in Ann Arbor which I feel would be a great fit for Carrie and I. Everyday I have prayed that this is the right job and I continue to do so now after the interview. I can only continue to Hope and Pray this is the position God has been setting me and Carrie up for.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I love COD... and yes the fish is delicious too
ZING ZANG ZOOMPF! I got a bogey... no, two bogeys flanking the right perimeter. Take em down. Flash in! HOLD! Grenade in! HOLD! Move, Move! ZING ZING ZING ZANG BANG ZOOM SPPFFF SPFFF. I'm hit! I'm hit! Cover me! Cover fire!! AHHH!!! DIE YOU (editing for children) I WILL TOTALLY (more editing for children) UNTIL NEXT YEAR!! ZING ZING ZING NADE THEM!! NADE THEM!! I'VE BEEN BANGED! I CAN'T SEE COVER ME!! IT'S SO WHITE. click click I need to reload, cover! NO!!
The screen suddenly shows a view point different from that which it once was. A pink square flashes with the words "RESPAWN" next to it. You watch and see how the punk who just pwned your arse got the upper hand and totally took you to school. Hope you have your notepad out becuase this is COD, this is Call of Duty 4.
No, sorry grandpa, this ain't no PONG with your fancy paddles. This is a real man's video game. This is Team Deathmatch, this is Search and Destroy, this is seriously one of the most addicting and funnest games I have ever pushed buttons upon. Shut up Halo and your "Tea-bagging!" In this game, there is no time for pointless man on top of dead man gesturing. You do that here, and you mine as well just cook that Grenade till it blows up in your hand cause that's about how long you have to live SON! Matter of fact, why don't you come over here after you killed me... SUPRISE! POP POP +20 pts for me cause you didn't anticipate the Last Stand! Who's DYING NOW!! Both of us that's who you fool.
COD4 is seriously the most fun I've had with an online video game since my slight addiction back in 2003-04 with CounterStrike. CS was on the computer and was a blast playing with a man known only to me and the CS followers as Trelude (K. Ferg). Yeah, he was part of a Clan and let me play with them. It was fun while it lasted but Trelude had a self-intervention by removing his own computer from himself and I followed suit by moving back towards my PS2. But now COD4 has come through and opened my eyes to a world I knew only existed from text and conversations. A world where flashbangs blind you, grenades can be thrown back and the red dot is death trapped inside... a little... red dot?
Last Call
There is absolutely nothing better than the Last Call tonight. Perhaps an ice cold beer during a round of golf or maybe 6 foot waves on Lake Michigan in late July or could it be the way a baby smiles right before it drops a huge load in your hands while your holding it? No, nothing beats hot chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of 2% milk. Yes, this is to you Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Cold Glass of 2% Milk, may your awesomeness never be matched or beaten by a lesser foe.
The screen suddenly shows a view point different from that which it once was. A pink square flashes with the words "RESPAWN" next to it. You watch and see how the punk who just pwned your arse got the upper hand and totally took you to school. Hope you have your notepad out becuase this is COD, this is Call of Duty 4.
No, sorry grandpa, this ain't no PONG with your fancy paddles. This is a real man's video game. This is Team Deathmatch, this is Search and Destroy, this is seriously one of the most addicting and funnest games I have ever pushed buttons upon. Shut up Halo and your "Tea-bagging!" In this game, there is no time for pointless man on top of dead man gesturing. You do that here, and you mine as well just cook that Grenade till it blows up in your hand cause that's about how long you have to live SON! Matter of fact, why don't you come over here after you killed me... SUPRISE! POP POP +20 pts for me cause you didn't anticipate the Last Stand! Who's DYING NOW!! Both of us that's who you fool.
COD4 is seriously the most fun I've had with an online video game since my slight addiction back in 2003-04 with CounterStrike. CS was on the computer and was a blast playing with a man known only to me and the CS followers as Trelude (K. Ferg). Yeah, he was part of a Clan and let me play with them. It was fun while it lasted but Trelude had a self-intervention by removing his own computer from himself and I followed suit by moving back towards my PS2. But now COD4 has come through and opened my eyes to a world I knew only existed from text and conversations. A world where flashbangs blind you, grenades can be thrown back and the red dot is death trapped inside... a little... red dot?
Last Call
There is absolutely nothing better than the Last Call tonight. Perhaps an ice cold beer during a round of golf or maybe 6 foot waves on Lake Michigan in late July or could it be the way a baby smiles right before it drops a huge load in your hands while your holding it? No, nothing beats hot chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of 2% milk. Yes, this is to you Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Cold Glass of 2% Milk, may your awesomeness never be matched or beaten by a lesser foe.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Just a quick thought
I was catching up on some blog posts when Carrie asked me what time it was. Like the amazing husband I am, I quickly looked at the lower right corner saw the white digital numbers read "9:18 PM" and said "It's Nine-Eighteen". Then this thought went through my mind...
9:18 that number sounds familiar, probably because I said it before. Did something happen at 9:18 on some other day... No, well 18 is divisible by 9... so I feel good about the number because of that. Maybe that's why I enjoyed saying that it was 9:18. Oh, September is the ninth month of the year. LIMH (Laughing In My Head) I could have said to Carrie "September 18th"... that would have been funny but Carrie would have just given me a mean or your a dumbass look (sorry for the language) Whoa, what if we did that for every time instead of saying the number we say the month. Its January 5th PM. And there are 12 hours in a day and 12 months in a year... crap there are 60 minutes in an hour... dang it. At least I could use it to code a time if I ever need too... Oh, I should blog about this!
Last Call
That thought process finished before 9:19 PM. Sorry for all of you who read that and are now a bit dumber. But imagine, if you will, having that stuff constantly running through your head. Hard isn't it.
9:18 that number sounds familiar, probably because I said it before. Did something happen at 9:18 on some other day... No, well 18 is divisible by 9... so I feel good about the number because of that. Maybe that's why I enjoyed saying that it was 9:18. Oh, September is the ninth month of the year. LIMH (Laughing In My Head) I could have said to Carrie "September 18th"... that would have been funny but Carrie would have just given me a mean or your a dumbass look (sorry for the language) Whoa, what if we did that for every time instead of saying the number we say the month. Its January 5th PM. And there are 12 hours in a day and 12 months in a year... crap there are 60 minutes in an hour... dang it. At least I could use it to code a time if I ever need too... Oh, I should blog about this!
Last Call
That thought process finished before 9:19 PM. Sorry for all of you who read that and are now a bit dumber. But imagine, if you will, having that stuff constantly running through your head. Hard isn't it.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Oh Yeah, this is the one you've been waiting for
Tidbits of My Life Recently
I finally got Call of Duty 4. Love it. I haven't played an Online FPS consistently since counter-strike back in my college days. So far I haven't played much online COD4 but I can tell I am going to. It is fun and those only become more fun when you get to know the Maps. Also COD4 has an advancement system which allows you to upgrade you player when you gain more experience... pretty cool.
I busted a wine glass trying to move it from one cupboard to another. That was a bummer because it was a crystal wine glass from our wedding. (I've already broken one of our Champagne flutes... and of course it was the one with the slanted engraving and it was like 5 months into our marriage... and I've broke one of our beer steins that was about 6 months after the flute) The worst part though... I cut my left middle finger right in the flesh of the meat. You know what these means... no more Guitar Hero for a while. Also, when I type... I don't use my left middle finger. I am surprised at how efficient my typing still is.
We got a Christmas tree! Carrie's Mom decided we finally needed a X-mas tree so her and Carrie went out and got one today. Tonight we decorated it and watched Deck the Halls. It was a very Christmas night and it is beginning to feel like we are really starting a family of our own.
I watched the baby all by myself today. I know, hold your breath but its true, it was just me, the dogs and Evie today for about 2 hours. Granted she slept the whole time but that was because I was able to get her to keep sleeping the whole time.
Going back to the COD4 online play... I love playing online and being the moron that just runs around shooting anything. I am a Kamakazee!!! There is nothing better than pissing off the really good players by killing them doing the most stupid strategy. Granted I love playing "for real" too but sometimes its just fun to be an idiot.
My little bro, Nick, had his bag stolen the other day at the Hospital. Since they didn't realize it was missing till they were back in Midland, I got to play detective. While I feel bad for Nick, it was a lot of fun searching for his backpack. First I checked the tall grass and the weeds to see if they ditched the pack in there. Nope... just a bunch of rubbers and pop cups. Then I thought to myself... WWSD... What Would Scumbags Do? Then I saw it... an opening in the back fence and beyond that a playground. "Hmm" I said out loud. "Perhaps the sack grabbers went in a direction some might not expect." So I went through the opening and saw across the road some clothes on the ground. This led to a backpack, a book, a broken jackknife, 60 cents, a pencil, a flashlight/laser pointer and a trail down the sidewalk. So in the end, I solved the mystery.
I ate fresh mango for breakfast this morning... its seriously tasted like St. Thomas... I love the Caribbean.
Last Call
My battery is dying and I am too lazy to get the charger!
I finally got Call of Duty 4. Love it. I haven't played an Online FPS consistently since counter-strike back in my college days. So far I haven't played much online COD4 but I can tell I am going to. It is fun and those only become more fun when you get to know the Maps. Also COD4 has an advancement system which allows you to upgrade you player when you gain more experience... pretty cool.
I busted a wine glass trying to move it from one cupboard to another. That was a bummer because it was a crystal wine glass from our wedding. (I've already broken one of our Champagne flutes... and of course it was the one with the slanted engraving and it was like 5 months into our marriage... and I've broke one of our beer steins that was about 6 months after the flute) The worst part though... I cut my left middle finger right in the flesh of the meat. You know what these means... no more Guitar Hero for a while. Also, when I type... I don't use my left middle finger. I am surprised at how efficient my typing still is.
We got a Christmas tree! Carrie's Mom decided we finally needed a X-mas tree so her and Carrie went out and got one today. Tonight we decorated it and watched Deck the Halls. It was a very Christmas night and it is beginning to feel like we are really starting a family of our own.
I watched the baby all by myself today. I know, hold your breath but its true, it was just me, the dogs and Evie today for about 2 hours. Granted she slept the whole time but that was because I was able to get her to keep sleeping the whole time.
Going back to the COD4 online play... I love playing online and being the moron that just runs around shooting anything. I am a Kamakazee!!! There is nothing better than pissing off the really good players by killing them doing the most stupid strategy. Granted I love playing "for real" too but sometimes its just fun to be an idiot.
My little bro, Nick, had his bag stolen the other day at the Hospital. Since they didn't realize it was missing till they were back in Midland, I got to play detective. While I feel bad for Nick, it was a lot of fun searching for his backpack. First I checked the tall grass and the weeds to see if they ditched the pack in there. Nope... just a bunch of rubbers and pop cups. Then I thought to myself... WWSD... What Would Scumbags Do? Then I saw it... an opening in the back fence and beyond that a playground. "Hmm" I said out loud. "Perhaps the sack grabbers went in a direction some might not expect." So I went through the opening and saw across the road some clothes on the ground. This led to a backpack, a book, a broken jackknife, 60 cents, a pencil, a flashlight/laser pointer and a trail down the sidewalk. So in the end, I solved the mystery.
I ate fresh mango for breakfast this morning... its seriously tasted like St. Thomas... I love the Caribbean.
Last Call
My battery is dying and I am too lazy to get the charger!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Fatherly Love
It is one thing to image becoming a parent and wondering what your children will look like. It is a completely other thing to be blessed with the most beautiful, perfect little angel daughter ever to grace this good earth. I am not only amazed that God would create such a beautiful child (not that I think He couldn't just that He would is so awesome!) but that He Blessed Carrie and I with her.... AMAZING! You can see from the pictures in a previous post that I'm not lying... but I just wanted to list a few things about being a Father.
I can stare at her for hours and just never want to move. She will quite literally do nothing and it is the most entertaining thing I have ever experienced.
I worry. She scares the crap out of me. Every little cough, hiccup, yawn, stretch, eye opening, thumb sucking movement she makes, I wonder... is something wrong? Now I sound a little psycho but you get my drift... I just want to be able to protect her when really, I just have to leave it to God.
I love her. No doubt about it!
I am willing to do anything for her. Already, I carry her till she is asleep. Get out of the most comfortable position to check on her. Change her messy diapers. Put her clothes on, wrap her up. She owns me and hasn't even spoken a word yet.
She is half me. For this I apologize... She will probably have a goofy sense of humor that only her and I will understand. But hey, at least its one more person in on the joke with me right? (no... she will probably be on her Mom's side... darn it)
Last Call
Evie I love you.
I can stare at her for hours and just never want to move. She will quite literally do nothing and it is the most entertaining thing I have ever experienced.
I worry. She scares the crap out of me. Every little cough, hiccup, yawn, stretch, eye opening, thumb sucking movement she makes, I wonder... is something wrong? Now I sound a little psycho but you get my drift... I just want to be able to protect her when really, I just have to leave it to God.
I love her. No doubt about it!
I am willing to do anything for her. Already, I carry her till she is asleep. Get out of the most comfortable position to check on her. Change her messy diapers. Put her clothes on, wrap her up. She owns me and hasn't even spoken a word yet.
She is half me. For this I apologize... She will probably have a goofy sense of humor that only her and I will understand. But hey, at least its one more person in on the joke with me right? (no... she will probably be on her Mom's side... darn it)
Last Call
Evie I love you.
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